DOG walkers have been warned their pets could be shot after more than 30 lambs and sheep were killed close to a reservoir.

Farmer James Baines claims the spate of attacks around Ashworth Moor reservoir in Rochdale is the worst he has ever seen.

He said: "We've had incidents in the past but this is as bad as it has been and it seems to be getting worse. The problem is that people see the open fields and let their dogs off the leash.

"They then chase sheep and in some cases attack them. A lot of the time lambs get separated from their mothers and cannot look after themselves so they die. In other cases there's a lot of stress involved and in the worst we've lost sheep who have been attacked.

"It's not a nice thing to happen and it also means I've kept them all winter and paid vets bills for nothing."

Mr Baines, who has farmed all his life, said that when he has tried to tell dog walkers of the dangers of letting their pets off their leashes he has, on occasion, been met with abuse.

He said: "A lot of the time they understand, but in some cases I've been given abuse and told that the dogs are `only playing' with the sheep. They aren't and it's dangerous."

Stephen Jones, from United Utilities, who own the reservoir, said: "The police can become involved if livestock are killed and farmers also have the right to shoot dogs which are putting the lives of sheep at risk.

"As a general rule, walkers are advised to keep dogs on a lead if they cannot rely on their obedience."