DOG owners are being urged to keep their dogs on leads while visiting local beauty spots.

Denbighshire County Council and the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty are appealing to dog owners to be mindful of keeping their animals on a lead while walking through county beauty spots containing livestock.

Areas where livestock are currently grazing include Moel Famau, Dinas Bran and the Horseshoe Pass.

Moel Famau is a popular area for people to walk but dogs need to be on a lead on the open hill to prevent them chasing after and injuring livestock.

Alternative walks are available through the forest on Moel Famau where dogs can be off lead but under close control

Councillor Win Mullen James, cabinet lead member for local development and planning, said: “We would like to thank the majority of those accessing our countryside sites and beauty spots for visiting responsibly. It is important visitors are aware of what restrictions and guidelines are in place at the areas they intend to visit.

“We are reminding all dog owners, including those who have a dog for the first time, to be responsible with their pets and to keep them on leads when walking through the countryside with livestock.

“Livestock worrying, where dogs disturb and chase sheep, is illegal. Those caught worrying livestock can be destroyed and owners can be prosecuted, this is a distressing outcome we want to prevent.”

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She added: “Please protect your dog by keeping them on a lead to prevent any accidents. In incidents that have happened we have seen dog owners distraught and shocked at what has occurred.

"We want everybody to return home after visiting our sites having had a great day out and appeal to dog owners to plan ahead and consider where they are walking.”

Dogs are also required to be on leads on Open Access land in bird nesting season. Keeping your pet on a lead can also help reduce the likelihood of them returning home with ticks, especially if visiting heathland.