A COW that was grazing on the Malvern Hills was injured after a dog attacked it.

The attack happened some time last Monday, January 29, in the Worcestershire Beacon area.

The dog grabbed the Belted Galloway by the jaw causing injuries and severe stress. A vet has been out to examine the cow and the wounds now must be left to heal.

And following the attack, Malvern Hills Conservators are again reminding dog walkers to keep their dog on leads when they are walked on the hills.

Livestock worrying, which includes chasing, is a criminal offence and could lead to the destruction of the dog. At this time of year, attacks can be very serious as heavily pregnant ewes can abort following the stress of a chase.

Beck Baker, the Conservators' community and conservation officer, said “The attacks are distressing for the dog owner and devastating for the farmer. The cattle and sheep are part of the farmer’s livelihood, the loss of an animal or vet bills can be very costly.

"Dog owners should be aware that the police may be involved following an attack. Take away the risk of this happening to you by always keeping your dog on a lead near livestock.”

The hills and commons are grazed all year round and are registered common land. This means certain local people have legal rights to put livestock onto the land to graze without notice. Members of the public should therefore be ready to encounter livestock anywhere and at any time.

Cattle and sheep grazing is essential to keep the Hills special, conserve and protect the wildlife and heritage for the public to enjoy.

The public are also urged to see the Stockwatch column printed each week in the Malvern Gazette, which lists the area where livestock are being grazed.

People can also sign up to Stockwatch on the Conservators’ website malvernhills.org.uk to get weekly updates on where they will find the livestock.