Dog owners are being reminded to keep their pets on leads when walking near livestock.

The warning from NFU Mutual comes after a spate of sheep worrying incidents on the Malvern Hills.

Half a dozen sheep were killed by dogs on the hills last year, prompting the Malvern Hills Trust to issue multiple pleas for dog walkers not to let their dogs off the lead.

And as we approach the Easter weekend, there are fears that pregnant ewes and new-born lambs are particularly at-risk.

READ MORE: Police investigating after sheep killed on Malvern Hills

NFU Mutual has released figures showing the cost of dog attacks on livestock has increased by 50% since before the pandemic.

According to the rural insurer’s estimates, which are based on claims data, livestock worrying cost £1.8 million last year compared to £1.2 million in 2019.

Across the Midlands, farm animals worth £313,723 were killed or severely injured by dogs in 2022, making it the worst affected English region by cost.

Hannah Binns, NFU Mutual’s rural affairs specialist, said: “The Easter holidays see many people exploring the Midlands’ beautiful countryside, but they must remember these idyllic rural destinations are key to farmers’ livelihoods and are home to thousands of sheep and new-born lambs.

“This year’s lambing season is underway across the region, so it is crucial all dog owners act responsibly by keeping their dog on a lead in areas where livestock are nearby, especially near vulnerable sheep and lambs.

“The Covid-19 pandemic saw many people owning dogs for the first time, but tragically this has been followed by a sharp increase in the cost of livestock attacks.

“It is hard for people to imagine their friendly family pet could chase, injure or kill another animal - but all dogs are capable of this, regardless of breed or size.

“Even dogs chasing sheep can have serious consequences. We’ve heard reports from farmers where sheep and lambs have drowned, suffocated, been run over or chased off cliff edges because of out-of-control dogs.

“Even if a dog does not make contact with a sheep, the distress and exhaustion from being chased can cause a pregnant ewe to miscarry or die. It can also separate young lambs from their mothers, which can lead them to become orphaned.”