A sheep farmer left a heartbreaking note for dog owners after being forced to put down one of their animals.
Recent issues with pups at the farm in Cheshire meant that a vet had to put down one of their pregnant ewes.
The unnamed writer explained that dogs can "scare, chase and attack" the sheep and urged owners to keep their pets under control.
A photograph of the handwritten message, pinned to a fence, was shared on Facebook on Friday.
It read: "We have pregnant ewes in this field.
"We have just had the vet put down a pregnant ewe.
"Please keep your dogs on a lead.
"They may not attack but can still chase and scare our ewes. Thank you."
Cheshire Police said that its rural crime team is seeing more and more messages like this being displayed in the area.
A spokesperson said: "Trying to get that message across.
"No one wants to over-sign the countryside, but it's really sad that we not only have official signs reminding people of their responsibilities to effectively not commit a crime, but we are seeing more and more heartfelt messages being put up.
"Remember, your dog, your responsibility."
Others took to Facebook calling for action with one owner claiming that dogs recently attacked their alpaca.
"This is an impossible situation," they said.
"Only a couple of weeks ago, our alpaca was attacked and dragged on its side around our paddock by a Cane Corso.
"Two days ago I was on my drive when two women were walking past the sign, which asks people to keep their dogs on a lead, with their dog off a lead.
"I asked them to please put it on a lead as one of our animals had been attacked recently.
"She said she was sorry and put the dog on a lead straight away, but I just don't understand how people can see what happens, but still don't keep their dogs on a lead."
Another farm worker said it is not just dog owners but the public overall who "think they can walk wherever they like."
"We’ve even had them cut wires because the gate into the field was padlocked," they added.
"It's locked for a reason. There's no public footpath and we had cattle and bulls in the field."
Another person commented: "It needs a whole change of mindset for a lot of owners who believe that their dog would never do that, or is too well trained."
"All dogs could frighten or worse and it's our responsibility to make sure they don't."
