THE leader of Devon County Council has urged people to respect the countryside and farms where rights of way pass close to or through residential or agricultural properties.

Cllr John Hart said that in the last week, two farmers in his Bickleigh & Wembury division have had sheep attacked and one had to have a sheep put down because of the injuries sustained after being attacked by dogs.

He said that the council has also received anecdotal evidence of increasing complaints about livestock being disturbed by dogs as more and more people are using Devon’s public rights of way and multi-use trails for their exercise during lockdown.

Dog owners are being reminded to act responsibly and keep their dogs under close control and that when walking your dog in areas used by other people it is advised that dogs are kept on a lead if a physical distance of two metres cannot be adhered to.

Care must also be taken when approaching animals with their young as pregnant ewes and newborn lambs are especially vulnerable at this time of year.

Cllr Hart said: ‘We’re seeing a substantial increase in people out walking in the countryside during lockdown, but in parallel we’re also starting to get more reports of livestock being disturbed by dogs.

‘In the last week, two farmers in my division have had sheep attacked and one had to have a sheep put down because of the injuries sustained.

‘Please remember, it’s lambing season, and pregnant ewes and newborn lambs are particularly vulnerable at this time of year. They can suffer significant injury if chased or attacked by a dog so it’s really important that people keep their dogs under control.

‘We know that exercising and enjoying green space is vital to people’s physical and mental wellbeing, and we’re fortunate in Devon to have some of the best walking and cycling routes in the country.

‘These routes provide a great opportunity for people to enjoy their local surroundings while getting their daily exercise and some fresh air during the current lockdown.

‘We would urge everyone to respect the land that you’re on, be aware of any livestock that you may be near and please give others plenty of space if you pass anyone while out and about.’

Devon County Council, which is responsible for more than 3,100 miles of public rights of way, is also asking people to adhere to the current Government advice on exercising outdoors and social distancing, and to be considerate to farmers and residents where rights of way pass close to or through residential or agricultural properties.

The current Government advice during lockdown is that you can leave your home to exercise and spend time outdoors for recreation.

The guidance says that this should be limited to once per day and should be in your local area, although there is no restriction on duration, frequency or proximity to your home in the actual legislation.