Cheshire Police Rural Crime Team said the dogs had been shot after killing 25 sheep in four separate incidents
Three dogs have been shot dead in Cheshire after attacking livestock.
Chester Police Rural Crime Team confirmed the dogs had been shot after attacking and killing 25 sheep in the area during December.
Officers said the livestock had been killed over four separate incidents by the dogs which had not been on a lead.
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A female from Macclesfield had pleaded guilty to being the owner of a dog which had caused unnecessary suffering to an animal on December 14.
Rural crime officers from Chester said the owner had received a fine of £760 with the dog required to wear a muzzle and be on a lead when in public.
Police constable Jim Clark reiterated a plea for owners to put their dogs on a lead when near livestock.
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"It is vital you keep your dog on the lead around livestock, even if you can usually trust it to come to call," Mr Clark added.
"If you live in or near a farming area, you must make sure your dog cannot escape from your property, as it may find its way onto land containing sheep.
"Dogs should only be released from a lead if walkers are followed or chased by cattle.
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"It is better to be safe than sorry by using your lead to control your dog.
"This should avoid not only the devastation and financial cost to the farmer who has lost his or her sheep, but the trauma to the dog owner from their dog's actions, and the thought it could have been shot to prevent further devastation.
"We want everyone to enjoy the countryside safely and responsibly - take a look at the countryside code to see how you can do your bit.
"We simply urge owners - no matter how reliable you think your dogs are - keep dogs under control near livestock."
Free signs warning dog owners to keep their dogs on a lead near livestock are available through Farmers Guardian's Take the Lead campaign, in association with the National Sheep Association.
To request yours, send a stamped self-addressed A4 envelope to: FG Take the Lead, Farmers Guardian, Unit 4, Fulwood Business Park, Preston, Lancashire, PR2 9NZ.
We will be able to send up to 25 signs.
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