KEEP dogs on leads while on the coast path and in the countryside, owners are reminded, after a number of animal related incidents so far this year.

The Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority is appealing to dog walkers to keep their pets under close control.

In the last few weeks sheep were rescued having become stranded on cliffs after being chased by dogs and in another case a dead dog had to be retrieved from the bottom of a cliff.

Park Authority Access and Rights of Way Manager, Anthony Richards said: “These recent incidents illustrate the need to keep dogs under close control when walking in the Pembrokeshire countryside and on the Pembrokeshire Coast Path.

“The National Park Authority is aware of at least ten incidents last year where dogs had to be rescued from cliffs or died falling from the cliff edge. Dogs must be kept under close control in the countryside – on a lead if livestock are present – and especially on the Coast Path where there are unguarded cliff edges.

“Our message is simple: keep to the path and you’ll be safe, and that goes for your dog too.”

For more information, including the National Park Authority’s Dog Walking Code of Conduct, visit www.pembrokeshirecoast.wales/walking and click on ‘Walking Your Dog’.