A COLWALL farmer is urging dog owners to be extra vigilant about their pets' behaviour as lambing season begins.

John Bishop, of Cummins Farm, warned that farmers had the right to shoot dogs that were worrying their animals.

Mr Bishop said that last year, there were several serious incidents where ewes aborted due to dogs' behaviour.

He said: "I don't really blame the dogs, it's the irresponsible owners. It's up to them to keep their dogs together.

"We haven't seen any signs of problems as yet, but it's better to speak up now than after something has happened."