Dog owners are being urged to keep their pets under close control around livestock after a number of sheep have been killed in attacks in recent months.

North Wales Police says several incidents are going unreported, meaning injured animals may be left suffering and farmers may not know that sheep have been attacked.

A number of the incidents have taken place in the Eryri mountain range, with the latest reported on Saturday, September 12th, on Brithdir land near Llanberis.

A Scotch cross ewe was killed in the attack. The farmer told police it was the third incident in the area in three months, with three sheep killed by dogs.

PCSO Rhys Evans says attacks should be reported immediately to either the police or the farmer so that injured animals can be found and treated as quickly as possible.

He says sheep can hide for long periods after being chased, particularly when they are spread across large areas of countryside, meaning injuries may otherwise go unnoticed for days or even weeks.

Dog owners walking in the countryside are being reminded to keep their dogs on leads around livestock and to maintain close control in accordance with the Dogs (Protection of Livestock) Act.

Police say allowing a dog to chase livestock can cause serious stress, injury and suffering and can result in criminal action against the owner.

PCSO Evans said responsible dog ownership was key to preventing further attacks and protecting livestock across the countryside.