CONCERNS are rising that dogs are still being let off leads on the Malvern Hills and allowed to chase sheep despite previous attacks and warnings. 

A sheep was yet again found out of its compartment on the Malvern Hills just three weeks after grazier John Chance warned of the potentially life-threatening dangers of sheep being chased by dogs. 

In the latest incident, a sheep was reported to have left its grazing compartment and ended up on Jubilee Drive. 

Following the report, a trust grazier found the sheep and returned it to the grazing compartment. 

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Although not witnessed, the Trust believe it is most likely the sheep was chased by a dog rather than leaving the compartment of its own choosing. 

This incident, which was reported on Sunday, August 25, was the only one involving sheep leaving their compartment reported to the trust over the past three weeks. 

Three weeks ago, Malvern Hills grazier John Chance told the Gazette he has recently had two incidents where sheep were attacked or chased off the Malvern Hills. 

In one recent incident, one of Mr Chance's sheep ended up in somebody's garden after having its leg and face bitten. 

Another chase saw one of Mr Chance's sheep end up in the centre of Great Malvern and several more ran off the hills. 

Mr Chance said some owners don't keep their pets on leads, despite signage telling them to do so, as they don't think their dog would harm a sheep until 'the unthinkable happens.' 

The trust's community and conservation officer, Beck Baker, told the Gazette: "Other than this one incident, we have not had any others reported to us on the Hills.

"The sheep and cattle eat scrubby vegetation and young trees and are an essential part of the conservation of the rare heathland and grassland habitats.  

"We would like to thank all the dog owners who have taken steps to keep the livestock safe and happily grazing on the hills and commons."

Currently, any dog owner who allows or causes their pet to chase any animal on the hills is in breach of the trust's bylaws and could be hit with a fine of up to £500.