Macclesfield dog owners have been urged to not let their guard down this Christmas.

Cheshire Police Rural Crime Team urge dog owners to keep control of their dogs over the festive period.

Police are reminding dog owners to make sure they have control over their dogs when they are walking in the countryside over the festive period.

Despite advice being given to keep dogs on leads - over the past month, 25 sheep have been killed in four separate incidents and three dogs have been shot because of the unfolding shocking scenes.

As Christmas approaches, families will be visiting this county, and some Cheshire residents will be visiting family across the country.

Officers from the Rural Crime Team are urging dog owners, whether they know their rural environment well or not, to keep dogs on a lead to prevent more livestock deaths – especially if you are in unfamiliar territory.

PC Jim Clark said: "It is vital that you keep your dog on the lead around livestock, even if you can usually trust it to come to call. If you live in or near a farming area, you must make sure that your dog cannot escape from your property, as it may find its way onto land containing sheep. Dogs should only be released from a lead if walkers are followed or chased by cattle.

"It's better to be safe than sorry by using your lead to control your dog. This should avoid not only the devastation and financial cost to the farmer who has lost his or her sheep, but the trauma to the dog owner from their dog's actions, and the thought it could have been shot to prevent further devastation.

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"I'd simply urge owners - no matter how reliable you think your dogs are - keep dogs on a lead near livestock. You can also show that you care for all animals by taking the #OpRecall pledge here, and do your bit in keeping all animals safe.

"We want everyone to enjoy the countryside safely and responsibly- take a look at the countryside code to see how you can do your bit."

To find out more about how to keep you, your pet and farm animals safe please visit this link.