YORKSHIRE Water is appealing to dog owners visiting its reservoirs to keep their pets on leads at all times during lambing and the nesting season.

Reservoirs at Grimwith, Embsay and in the Washburn Valley are firm favourites with dog owners, but the land is often grazed by sheep.

The company says even generally docile dogs can cause extreme distress to sheep when running free off the lead, while having them under close control will also help protect ground nesting birds and newly fledged birds.

Under the Dogs (Protection of Livestock) Act 1953, if a dog worries sheep on agricultural land the person in charge of the dog is guilty of an offence and the farmer even has the right to shoot it.

Alastair Harvey, recreation advisor at Yorkshire Water said: “We welcome dog walkers onto our land and indeed reservoirs are popular spots to take a dog for a circular walk. All we are asking is that they are kept on their lead at all times to prevent any potential devastation to livestock and farmers livelihoods. It is amazing the transformation in some dogs’ behaviour when they get sight of sheep so it’s important they are kept under control.”

Yorkshire Water is also appealing to dog owners to clear up after their pets.

Over the last five years, it says it has spent thousands of pounds to keep paths, picnic sites and car parks clean of unsightly dog mess which is says the experience for other visitors.

Mr Harvey added: “Again, we would like to emphasise that the vast majority of dog owners are responsible, but we remind all dog owners to please scoop up after your dog and dispose of the bag in a bin.

“This not only helps keep our pathways looking pristine, but reduces the risk of the transfer of diseases to humans and livestock.”