Walkers have been warned that their dogs can be shot by farmers if they chase or attack sheep on Ilkley Moor.

In recent weeks there have been reports of dogs chasing, biting and killing sheep on moorland near Ilkley.

One resident even managed to take pictures of a dead lamb savaged by a dog, while another injured lamb is believed to be wandering the area after being bitten.

But Bradford Council countryside officer Richard Perham said although there was little anybody could do to stop dogs off their leads chasing livestock, farmers were entitled to protect their animals. “It has been a problem in the last couple of weeks,” Mr Perham said. “The farmers are a bit concerned.

“I think people don’t think their dogs chasing sheep is a problem. The farmer can shoot them if he catches them. Even just chasing sheep is worrying, but these have actually been bitten and killed.”

The law says any dog worrying livestock – and this includes chasing them – may be shot by the farmer.

Mr Perham said the authorities did all they could to warn people not to let their pets chase livestock on the moorland.

And he admitted it was difficult to catch people with their dogs in the act.

One walker, who discovered the savaged body of the lamb, said dog owners needed to take more responsibility for their animals’ actions while out on moorland.