Wiltshire Police is urging dog owners to act responsibly while walking in the countryside this summer to help protect livestock, wildlife and the people who care for the county's nature reserves.
With increasing numbers of dog walkers using the countryside, there have been more reports of livestock and wildlife being disturbed.
Police say they continue to receive reports of dogs being allowed off leads before chasing or attacking sheep or disturbing nesting birds. They believe many incidents go unreported.
There have also been reports of volunteers from Wiltshire Wildlife Trust being subjected to verbal abuse after asking dog walkers to keep their pets under control.
Rural crime officer PC Simon Gomm said: "These offences might seem minor to some but they have serious consequences, not just for the animals but the farmers who rely on their livestock for their livelihood.
"Allowing your dog off lead in these sites can lead to it chasing livestock, disturbing nesting birds, fouling and causing irreparable damage to sensitive landscapes.
"There have been a number of reports of livestock or nesting birds being attacked and left to suffer, rescued by volunteers but sadly later euthanised due to their injuries.
"It is the dog owner's responsibility to ensure your dog is behaving well and under control in these sensitive sites. Even the most well-trained dogs have predatory instincts that can be triggered."
He added that abusing staff and volunteers was "completely unacceptable" and said everyone should be able to enjoy Wiltshire's countryside while helping to protect it.
Leo Henley Lock, Director of Conservation and Land Management for Wiltshire Wildlife Trust, said: "Our nature reserves are among the few remaining places where wildlife can thrive, and these precious spaces are facing increasing pressures.
"We are delighted to see so many people enjoying them with their dogs, but it is vital that dogs are kept on leads while visiting our reserves.
"Even the most well-behaved dog can unintentionally disturb wildlife, or cause harm to livestock if allowed to roam freely. Keeping dogs on leads is a simple step that helps protect the species and habitats that make these places so special."
Wiltshire Police and Wiltshire Wildlife Trust are asking dog owners to keep their pets on leads in sensitive areas, respect staff and volunteers, and follow signs when visiting nature reserves and the countryside.
Photo: Wiltshire Wildlife Trust farm manager Jonathan Clarke and rural crime officer PC Simon Gomm
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