A DOG walker must keep his pet muzzled at all times while on the Malvern Hills after it attacked a sheep.

The dog owner was also fined £240 after a border terrier attacked a ewe on common land at Jubilee Drive, Colwall.

The sheep suffered multiple injuries and had to be put down as a result.

Since then, officers from West Mercia Police have interviewed the dog's owner and issued a community resolution due to the dog being "dangerously out of control in a public place".

A force spokesman said: "Livestock worrying is illegal and we would like to remind dog owners to ensure that their dog is kept under control at all times where livestock are present.

"West Mercia Police and the Malvern Hills Trust take issues such as this very seriously and we would urge anyone with concerns to get in touch with us."

We previously reported how the sheep had to be put down following the attack, with the Malvern Hills Trust urging dog walkers to control their pets.

At the time, Beck Baker, community and conservation officer, said: "We're shocked that so many livestock worrying incidents have occurred over the last week.

"Each and every incident is distressing for the livestock and the graziers who care for the animals.

"These incidents can be stopped by people putting their dogs on a lead at all times near livestock.

"We’d like to remind dog walkers that any dog, big or small, docile or aggressive, has the potential to chase or kill livestock so all dogs should be kept on a lead near grazing cattle and sheep."

Witnesses to livestock worrying incidents are encouraged to call the Trust on 01684 892002 to ensure veterinary treatment can be administered swiftly and also to the police on the 101 non-emergency number or online as a record of the offence.

To help dog owners plan their walks and know when to put their pet on a lead, Stockwatch is published online every week with the locations of the grazing compartments on the Malvern Hills and Commons.

A weekly Stockwatch e-newsletter is also available with subscribers receiving an email with the locations of the trust's grazing compartments each week.

Livestock are an essential part of the management of the Malvern Hills and Commons. The cattle and sheep eat the bramble, scrub and young trees and this maintains the open grassland habitat.

This keeps the landscape special and benefits the geology, archaeology, wildlife found here, as well as maintaining access and views for visitors.