IRRESPONSIBLE owners have been warned to keep their dogs under control by Worcester City Council.

The council has expressed concern after rangers were told about two incidents of dogs chasing cattle in the city.

With the summer upon us, wildlife ranger Richard Clarke said it was a "good time" to remind dog owners of their responsibilities. By law, dog owners must ensure their pets do not scare other animals or wildlife.

Mr Clarke said: "We have had a couple of minor incidents reported to us recently of dogs being left to their own devices and chasing cattle.

"Not only does this distress the animals, but a herd of stampeding cattle will cause damage to property, and injure someone or themselves. With the weather improving and more people being out and about we thought it was a good time to remind owners of their responsibilities."

The city council is concerned that by law, farmers are entitled to destroy a dog that injures or worries their animals.

It has asked owners to put leads on dogs if they are unsure how obedient they will be.

Mr Clarke said: "On public paths and in parks, a dog does not have to be put on a lead, as long as it is under close control. But as a general rule it is best to keep a dog on a lead if its obedience can not be relied upon."

The city council has issued the following advice: * Take particular care your dog does not disturb sheep or lambs.

* Make sure it does not wander where it might disturb nesting birds and other wildlife.

* Clean up after your pet because dog mess can cause infections.

* Make sure your dog is wormed properly to protect it, animals and other people.

As the Worcester News reported last October, the city council has powers to impose fines of up to £1,000 on dog owners who let their pets foul public areas.

The council brought in a new dog order last autumn, allowing certain officers to fine people if they spot fouling going in.

The on-the-spot fine is £80, but it can go up to £1,000 at Worcester Magistrates Court if the owner refuses to pay up immediately.