Police have warned dog walkers that farmers are entitled to kill a loose dog chasing grazing animals in a field.

Recent problems have brought the issue to the fore. On Tuesday, February 24, 152 sheep escaped a field, moved through a wooded area and wandered on to Fairoak Lane, Oxshott.

He believed the sheep may have been scared by dog walkers who allowed their animal to run free in the field.

Officers rounded up the animals and escorted them back to the field.

A police spokesman said: "We have also recently had an incident in Hersham where a sheep was killed by a dog, again off the lead, which entered its field and attacked it.

"Understandably the owner of the sheep is distraught and we are currently investigating the matter."

The force reminded dog owners if their dog enters a field where animals are grazing and the dog follows or chases them it is a criminal offence. The owner may face prosecution.

Adding: "The farmer is entitled to kill the dog if he has sufficient justification."