ADVICE has been given to dog owners by the Hampshire Police after sheep have been found dead in Odiham.

Following 16 sheep being found dead in a field on November 7, the police have urged dog owners to keep in full control of their dogs.

Whilst none of the dead sheep had visible injuries, it is believed a dog had got on to the field and the animals died due to the stress caused.

PC Vincent Lane, from Hampshire Constabulary’s Country Watch team, said: “I would like to remind dog owners of the importance of being in full control of their dog when in the countryside and around livestock and wild animals.

“Owners often voice surprise when their dog chases animals, but this is an innate part of a dog’s behaviour and they will instinctively chase and injure animals given the chance.

Police are also reminding residents that dogs worrying livestock is a criminal offence contrary Dogs (Protection of Livestock) Act 1953.

Their advice is to keep dogs on leads, keep dogs in sight at all time, be aware of what they are doing and be confident it will return to you on command.

If you have any information about this incident, please call 101 quoting 44170433995.