The plea comes after farmers report a rise in people walking on their land with dogs off their leads.

South Wales Police has released a plea for walkers to stick to public footpaths when using the countryside for daily exercise.

The plea comes as farmers report seeing a rise in the number of people walking across their land with dogs let off their leads.

In a statement published on Facebook, South Wales Police wrote: "The main concern for farmers is for their sheep which are especially vulnerable at this time of year due to the start of lambing season.

"Dogs being let of their leads can chase the pregnant sheep and the mere stress of a chase from a dog can result in a pregnant sheep losing its lamb.

"Even well-behaved dogs have also been known to attack sheep causing serious injury or death."

PCSO Rhodri Mason said: "In recent weeks, we have had reports of sheep and other livestock being attacked by dogs on the hills of Pontarddulais and the surrounding rural area.

"It is a very worrying time for farmers, and we would urge everyone to please be sensible and keep your dogs on leads when around farm animals."

South Wales Police said that it is important to remember that those who let their dogs loose on farmland at this time of year face the real prospect of their dog being killed, as farmers are legally entitled to shoot a dog if it is threatening the welfare of their livestock.

The police force urged people to be mindful on their daily exercise, and to avoid trespassing by using public footpaths, while always keeping dogs on a lead.