POLICE have this year received more reports of out of control dogs than previous years — with each incident taking up a significant amount of time for the officers.

Within seven days last month (July), the police received no fewer than seven crimes where dogs had been out of control in Tavistock.

The increase, say police, is likely due to more dog owners and their pets being out on Dartmoor or local parks more frequently due to limitations with work and travelling due to Covid.

Tavistock PCSO Kevin Williams said: ‘The crimes consist of livestock worrying, dogs attacking other dogs and dogs attacking people.

‘The resources being used to follow up on these crimes and issue Dog Control Orders are substantial and could be freed up to tackle other issues, if owners ensured their dogs were under control at all times.’

PCSO Williams added that the type of recurring incident was sheep being chased on Dartmoor and dogs biting people out on delivery.

He advised that dog owners should keep their dogs under close control at all times.

The warning comes only a few weeks after it was announced that Tavistock and Okehampton had one of the highest number of dog attacks on livestock in Devon and Cornwall — with 500 attacks reported in the past five years.

Visitors and residents are continuously urged by the police and Dartmoor rangers to keep their dogs under close control when visiting Dartmoor National Park.

Dartmoor Livestock Protection officer Karla McKechnie added: ‘Having a dog is a massive responsibility which is further increased when you bring your dog to Dartmoor.’

If you see a dog chasing or attacking livestock on Dartmoor, call Karla McKechnie on 07873 587561.