NOTHING is more evocative of spring than seeing new lambs by their mothers out in the Quantock countryside.

But remember that it is at this time of year when sheep and lambs are at their most vulnerable.

Quantock Rangers, local farmers and the police are highlighting the problems that some dogs can cause to livestock on the hills.

From March to July dog owners are required by law to keep their dogs on a lead when being walked across open access land.

In all other areas of the countryside dogs should be kept under close control.

It’s not just the physical attacks that cause harm but simply allowing a dog to chase sheep may cause ewes to abort or become injured.

Rebekah West, Quantock Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty ranger, said: “We’d like to take this opportunity to remind all dog owners to please keep their dogs on leads when walking close to lambs or sheep.

"I also have to be extra careful with my dog Moss - being a lurcher there is nothing he likes more than to run, but across the common, he is always on a lead, and will only be let off when I am confident it won’t be at the detriment of wildlife or livestock.

"Even if lambs are not present in a flock, the ewes may well be in lamb and a dog chasing them could cause them to abort.”

She added: "There have been many times when Quantock rangers have had to deal with the aftermath of dog attacks on sheep and in all cases I believe they could have been easily avoided - it’s never easy visiting a farmer to tell them that their livestock has been injured or killed.”

Between March and July, keeping your dog on a lead on open access land is also to protect ground nesting birds, as dogs run about in the undergrowth, they flush birds such as nightjars and skylarks off their nests and may cause them to abandon them.

If your dog does kill or cause harm to livestock, you can be liable for a significant fine and for the value of the livestock harmed - your pet may also be dispatched, the cost of which will also have to be borne by you. Moreover, if your dog is actually seen in action harassing livestock it could be shot on sight.

If you witness an attack in progress, call 999 otherwise any incidents witnessed should be reported to the police on 101 or directly to the Quantock Hills AONB office on 01823-451884.