A DOG owner has been ordered to pay £1,250 compensation to a Blacknest farmer after an out-of-control black Labrador killed five lambs last month.

The attack, in a field at Broad View Farm off Blacknest Road shortly before 2pm on Friday, May 8, has prompted police to warn dog owners to keep their animals under close control or on a lead.

PC Scott Graham, of Hampshire Country Watch, said: “In the past few weeks Country Watch has seen a large increase in dogs chasing and attacking livestock in and around our rural communities in Hampshire and Isle of Wight.

“This week a resident of East Hampshire who owns a black Labrador was issued a Community Resolution Order, in which they agreed to pay £1,250 compensation, write a letter of apology and accept a Dog Behaviour Contract after their dog chased and killed five lambs.

“Please keep your dogs under close control or on a lead at all times, especially in the countryside where it is likely that livestock will be tending to their young at this time of year.”

The Country Land and Business Association (CLA) has also shared ‘three top tips for those using the countryside’, amid increasing reports of walkers not sticking to footpaths, trampling on crops, and not keeping their dogs under close control around livestock:

* Livestock worrying by dogs is on the increase. Even the best-trained family pet can chase sheep and wildlife if not kept under close control.

* Fly-tipping is a blight on the landscape and can cost £900 per incident to clear away, at the farmer’s expense. Please ensure you take your litter home and dispose of bulky waste legally.

* When riding a bike or driving a vehicle, slow down or stop for horses, walkers and farm animals and give them plenty of room. By law, cyclists must give way to walkers and horse riders on bridleways.