Police are appealing to the public for information about a dog that attacked a sheep on private land on Pike Hill in Shepton Mallet on Easter Monday, April 10th, at around 10.30am.

The dog, described as a brindle and white bull terrier type, is approximately the same size as a Labrador.

The Mendip Neighbourhood Policing Team has requested the owner of the dog or anyone with information to contact them immediately, quoting crime reference number 5223082697.

The police spokesperson emphasised that sheep worrying is illegal and that dog owners are responsible for the actions of their pets.

A spokesperson for Mendip Neighbourhood Policing Team said: "If you are the owner of this dog, were witness to this attack, or have any information about which dog this may be then please contact us quoting crime reference number 5223082697.

"It's likely that the dog returned to its owner with its face stained from the attack. Dog owners must be aware that sheep worrying - which includes your dog attacking or chasing sheep - is illegal.

"There need not be any physical contact between the dog and livestock.As the dog owner you are liable for the actions of your dog whether it is worrying livestock or whether it is dangerously out of control and harms another person."

They advised dog owners to take reasonable precautions to prevent incidents from occurring, such as keeping their dog on a lead or even muzzling it in certain cases. Failure to take these steps could result in a police interview or court appearance, especially if a person or child is harmed due to the dog's actions.