Police have launched an investigation after two dogs were shot on a farm on the Alcester Road South.

A report was received by West Mercia Police in the early hours of Thursday morning that two dogs had been shot on the farm.

The incident was reported to police by the resident of the farm.

One of the dogs died and the other was injured and is currently receiving treatment.

The incident is believed to be linked to other reports by members of the public of loose dogs on the A435 Hollywood bypass

Police are now investigating the incident and appealing for any witnesses to call 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 quoting incident number 17S of 5 January 2017.

PC Simon Albutt from Alvechurch and Wythall Safer Neighbourhood Team, who is also a wildlife crime officer (WCO), said: “I would like to reinforce the message that we are coming into lambing season and dogs must be on a lead around livestock. If you live by a farm please make sure your garden and property is properly secured so no dogs and animals can escape onto farmland. Section 9 of the Animals Act 1971 provides that the owner of livestock, the landowner or anyone acting on their behalf, is entitled to shoot any dog if they believe it is the only reasonable way of stopping it worrying livestock. Such action must be reported to police within 48 hours (telephone 101).”

PC Albutt added: “Worrying means attacking livestock or chasing livestock expected to cause injury or suffering to the livestock or, in the case of females, abortion, or still born of the lamb.”

Further information can be found on their website at: https://www.westmercia.police.uk/article/16413/Livestock-and-worrying-dogs-in-the-countryside