POLICE in the Borders have told owners to keep dogs under control near livestock in a bid to reduce the number of livestock worrying incidents.

With lambing season upon us, officers in the Borders are reminding dog owners that it is their responsibility to keep their dogs under control, especially when around livestock.

Sharing to social media, a Police Scotland spokesperson said: "At this time of year we can see an increase in sheep worrying incidents in the area.

"Please remember that is your responsibility to keep your dog under control.

"The loss of sheep can be a significant financial burden on farmers and dog owners could face prosecution."

In order to avoid any livestock worrying incidents, the police have offered a range of advice to dog owners.

This advice is:

  1. Don’t take your dog into fields where there are lambs, calves or other young farm animals
  2. If you go into a field with farm animals, keep your dog on a short lead or close to heel and stay as far away from the animals a possible.
  3. Keep control of your dog at ALL times and don’t allow it to venture into fields unattended.

Members of the public who have concerns about a dog not being under control in public or around livestock can call 101 in non-emergencies, and 999 in an emergency.