Swadlincote Police have highlighted the problem of livestock being attacked by dogs - and revealed an incident this week in South Derbyshire.

The area's Safer Neighbourhood Team did not reveal the exact location, but showed graphic photos of the sheep that were injured or killed.

In this instance, the police were contacted by the owner of the dog that was involved in the incident.

The SNT posted about the attack and said: "You will see that this is a national problem and one that is becoming more and more frequent.

"Today's incident occurred in South Derbyshire and unusually the police were contacted by the dog owner, informing us that their dog was worrying livestock and they could not get it back under control.

"By the time the dog had been brought back under control it had killed two lambs and injured three others, that number may yet rise once the flock has been checked.

"Owning a dog comes with responsibility, that responsibility extends to making sure your dog does not chase or injure livestock.

"To those who are thinking "my dog wouldn't do that" "my dog is properly trained" etc. In our experience all of those we deal with don't believe their dog will ever chase or attack livestock and that is exactly the reason why the dog is not under proper control.

"There are several outcomes when it comes to dogs worrying livestock; perhaps the most thought provoking for owners should be the outcome that the landowner shoots the dog, which they are entitled to do in law, to protect their stock. The owner can then still face a day in court and a hefty bill. "We don't like sharing images like these however they are impactful and if it prevents even one livestock attack happening then we think it is justified. "To dog owners, it simple, your dog your responsibility, keep it on a lead around livestock or where you believe livestock may be present. "To those who may witness livestock worrying, please report it and if possible, gather any evidence you can, photographs are particularly useful but please only take photographs if it is safe to do so. "If you witness any incidents involving livestock worrying, contact us via any of the following methods:

• Facebook – send us a private message to: /DerbsyhireConstabulary
• Twitter – direct message our contact centre on @DerPolContact
• Website – complete the online contact form www.derbyshire.police.uk/Contact-Us
• Phone – call us on 101."