Camera-loving sheep poses for photo to warn dog walkers all over Milton Keynes

And, to get the message across, they've used one of their flock that clearly loves posing for the camera!

Parks Trust bosses graze sheep, cattle and even konik ponies in certain parks every year as it is an environmentally-friendly way to maintain the land and saves them time a resources in mowing the grass.

Sadly, every year, there is at least one dog attack on the sheep.

This year the Trust is worried there could be problems because of the increased number of people walking their dogs in local parks during lockdown.

A spokesman said: "No matter how well behaved your dog is, you can never guarantee that they won’t start to chase after animals when off the lead.

"Sheep worrying, whether your dog attacks or chases the sheep, is an offence under the Dogs (Protection of Livestock) Act 1953 and you can be prosecuted. Worrying can be fatal to sheep and can cause ewes to miscarry their lambs. They can also become injured during their panic."

The animals are moved frequently as the Parks Trust rotates the grazing areas, so it is often impossible to warn people in advance when they will be present in any one area.

The spokesman said: "We appreciate many of you like to know when your local grazing animals will be arriving, however, we are unfortunately not able to share specific dates and field rotation plans."

He is asking people to look out for warning signage, which is updated regularly.

"Communications will be posted on our social channels about any changes as they are going to occur. However, please ensure you always enter a field with caution where grazing animals may be present," he said.

In the case of cows, the Trust has warned that their herd can be "nosey" and wander up to people to investigate, particularly if they have a dog with them,

"Don’t panic or run if cattle follow you," said the spokesman. "On entering a grazed field and if you feel unsure of the cattle, stand a few metres inside from the gate and see how the cattle respond to your presence. If they start to come towards your position, you can walk calmly to the gate and when safely on the other side review the situation."

He added: "When approaching grazing animals, talk calmly out loud or give a whistle so that they’re aware of your presence. You’re much less likely to startle them in this way. Avoid sudden movements or excited shouting. Once you reach them, walk quietly past or around them and praise your dog for ignoring them."

Finally the Trust is urging dog owners to continue to pick up their dog poo - despite the fact that cow and sheep poo is everywhere.

"Dog poo is an environmental pollutant and health hazard. One example of this is that if dog poo gets into our hay, this can be very damaging for the health of our cattle. They can contract the disease Neosporosis which can cause abortions, reduced milk yields, impaired growth rates and prolonged calving intervals in cattle," he said.

If you witness a dog attack on a sheep, you can call the Parks Trust during office hours on Monday to Friday on 01908 233600. The out of hours number is 01908 31177.

Alternatively you can email [email protected].