A sheep was found seriously injured in the Malvern Hills following a dog attack.

Malvern Hills Trust are urging dog owners to keep their pets on leads after the sheep was found with a dog bite on Tuesday, November 9, in a field near North Malvern Road.

The grazier was quickly at the scene after being alerted of the distressed animal by a local resident.

Beck Baker, community and conservation officer, said: "We're saddened to receive news of another dog attack on sheep on the Malvern Hills.

“We’d like to remind people to always put their dog on a lead near livestock.

“Any dog, big or small, docile or aggressive, has the potential to chase or kill livestock so all dogs should be kept on a lead near grazing cattle and sheep.”

The sheep is now receiving treatment and it is hoped that it will make a full recovery.

Anyone with information regarding the attack is asked to get in touch with the trust.

Malvern Hills Trust have taken this incident as an opportunity to remind people that sheep worrying is a criminal offence and could see owners fined and dogs put down.

Earlier this year a dog owner was ordered to pay £240 to a local farmer and now their dog must be muzzled at all times on common land.

Ms Baker added: "Visitors to the Hills and Commons should also be aware that much of this landscape is registered Common Land which means that cattle and sheep can be found freely gazing outside the grazing compartments.

“Your pet should have excellent recall and if in doubt, please keep your dog on a lead at all times."

Each week the trust publishes Stockwatch to let walkers know where animals are grazing on the hills.

Livestock help to manage the Malvern Hills and Commons as cattle and sheep eat the bramble, scrub and young trees to maintain the open grassland habitat which in turn benefits the area’s geology, archaeology, and wildlife.