An Isle of Wight dog owner has agreed to pay out compensation after a chase resulted in the deaths of two sheep.

Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary said the incident occurred on Saturday, August 5.

A dog entered a field in the Godshill area and went on to chase sheep, police said. Two died and others were worried. 

As a result of the deaths, the owner of the dog has agreed to pay compensation to the victim.

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This incident, alongside others, has led to a warning to dog walkers to keep their pets on leads in rural areas, or face prosecution. 

Another incident on Saturday, at around 5.30pm on St. John’s Road in Ventnor, saw a dog chase a number of sheep.

On this ocassion, the owner got the dog under control and left the scene, officers said.

A number of sheep were either killed and injured during others incidents in Ninham in March and Whitwell in April earlier this year. 

As a result, members of the Country Watch team say they will be increasing their proactive patrols of hot-spot areas across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight to tackle the ongoing issues. 

Police Staff Investigator Andrew Williams, from the Country Watch team, said: “The majority of dog owners are responsible, but unfortunately there are a small minority whose recklessness puts the welfare of other animals at risk.

“It is so important to keep dogs either on leads or under close control, particularly around livestock.

“Shepherds report that they get a mixed response from dog owners when challenged, some are apologetic but others can be hostile. 

“I would like to remind dog owners that they must be mindful of livestock – even if they can’t see them – when out and ensure that they keep their dogs on the lead.

“If you are walking your dog in a field and there is no livestock, please keep the dog in sight at all times, be aware of what it is doing, and be confident it will return to you promptly on command. If you cannot be confident of this, the dog should not be off the lead.

“Ensure the dog does not stray off the path or area where you have right of access.”

Under the Dogs (Protection of Livestock) Act 1953, it is a criminal offence for a dog to actively worry livestock.

Police say they want owners to be aware that in such instances, the owner or person in control of the dog can be prosecuted, and the dog can by shot by the farmer to end an attack.