DOG owners are being given a pictorial warning of the dangers of sheep worrying on the Quantock Hills with the launch of a new poster highlighting the problem.

West Country artist Tor Allen has been commissioned by the Quantock Hills AONB Service to produce a series of posters to illustrate a range of countryside issues.

The sheep worrying warning is being put up at car parks on the hills now because spring is one of the most vulnerable times for sheep and lambs.

Quantock ranger Rebekah West said the AONB service, local farmers and the police were keen to highlight the problems that some dogs can cause to livestock on the hills.

Dog owners are required by law to keep their dogs on a lead on public open access land between March 1 and July 31.

And in other areas of the countryside they should be kept under close control.

Quantock AONB ranger Rebekah West said it was not just physical attacks that caused harm - simply allowing a dog to chase sheep could cause ewes to abort or become injured.

"I love dogs but I have to remember that, no matter how unlikely it may seem to their owners, dogs have a natural instinct to chase and even in some cases hunt," she said.

"Sheep, lambs and wildlife can easily be disturbed if the dogs, no matter how well trained, are not under very close control.

"Sadly, there have been many times when Quantock rangers have had to deal with the aftermath of dog attacks on sheep and in all cases I believe they could have been easily avoided - it's never easy visiting a farmer to tell them that their livestock has been injured or killed."

Owners of dogs responsible for killing or harming livestock can be liable for significant fines, as well as having to pay the value of the livestock.

And dogs seen harassing livestock can be shot on sight.

Anyone witnessing an incident in progress should call 999 in the first instance, with other incidents reported to the police on 0845 456 7000 or the Quantock Hills AONB office on 01823 451884.