DOG owners in Ludlow and south Shropshire as well as in Tenbury and the Teme Valley have been warned that they could find an empty space in front of the fireplace.

Police are warning that dogs worrying livestock cause death, serious suffering and financial loss to farmers.

But it can also mean a pet owner having their dog destroyed as well as facing a fine and compensation claim.

Penalties for livestock worrying include having the dog destroyed and in some circumstances farmers are allowed to shoot a dog causing distress.

The message is that any dog in the vicinity of livestock should be kept on a lead and under control.