A west Dorset farmer is urging dog walkers to be responsible in a bid to help tackle the ongoing problem of livestock worrying.

Richard Cuzens of Manor Farm in Litton Cheney is backing Cornish Mutual’s initiative with Dorset Police Rural Crime Team which has been launched to support its members, who are affected by the problem all year round.

The south west insurer is offering its farming members free signs to remind dog walkers to keep their pets on leads around livestock. Cornish Mutual created the notices as a direct response to concerns raised by members about the scale of the problem and has so far donated more than 1,300 to farms across the south west.

The signs are hard-wearing and robust against all weathers and can be easily attached to stiles, gateposts or in dog walking hotspots. They are worded in such a way to ensure they comply with the law.

Mr Cuzens, a member of Cornish Mutual who is displaying the signs on his Litton Cheney farm, said: “The signs are very clear in the message they are giving to dog walkers about the responsibility they have when entering a farmer’s field. People have the right to walk on a path with their dog, but many forget that the livestock in the field are our livelihood and worth many thousands of pounds.

“Sadly, here at Manor Farm, we have experienced regular incidents of dogs chasing our sheep and even attacking them, which meant they have to be destroyed. It is very unpleasant to see an animal in distress after it’s been attacked and it’s not something you get hardened to.

“A farmer will also have to bear the brunt of any cost - not only the loss of the animal but the cost of disposing of it as well.”

Sheep worrying remains a constant concern for Mr Cuzens and other members and the signs offer peace of mind that they have done all they can to remind walkers to keep their dog on a lead and under control.

PCSO Tom Balchin, rural engagement officer with the Dorset Police Rural Crime Team, believes warnings such as this are vital, particularly around bank holidays and school holidays when attacks become more frequent.

He said: “Last year, there were 51 reports of sheep worrying and dog attacks in Dorset and we are up to 38 this year already.

“The signs are vital to remind dog owners, who are perhaps not from the area, that when they take their dogs out into the country, they need to respect livestock.

“They can serve as a deterrent, particularly if someone is about to take their dog off the lead.”

Nick Bunting, field force inspector at Cornish Mutual, said: “I live in the area where I work, and I have seen first-hand the effect sheep worrying can have on farmers and landowners.

“We want to help people understand that you need to keep dogs - whatever the breed - on a lead while in farmers’ fields. Displaying notices can go a long way to help stop what can be a very serious problem before it happens.

“We created the signs as a direct response to our farming members, who told us about the ongoing problem they face with sheep and cattle being chased and attacked by dogs. These notices demonstrate Cornish Mutual’s commitment to farmers, our members and the rural community.”