A farmer has been compensated by the apologetic owner of a dog which mauled a sheep and left another injured in a field near Petersfield earlier this summer.

A lamb was killed and an ewe was injured by an unleashed husky on a farm in Nursted around 9.15am on June 30.

The owner offered to reimburse any costs after later finding the address of the farmer and making them aware of the incident close to the West Sussex border.

Police were informed with the woman agreeing to pay £200 to the farmer in a Community Resolution.

The owner has also written a letter of apology to the farmer and has vowed to keep her dog on a lead at all times when being on or close to farmland.

East Hampshire Police say the incident should serve as a reminder owners to keep their mutts on leads in similar surroundings to minimise any risk of livestock worrying.

Owners can face prosecution and a hefty fine as it’s a criminal offence for a dog to actively worry livestock.

A spokesperson said: “Livestock worrying is when a dog attacks of chases livestock on agricultural land, or is at large in a field with livestock.

“Worrying can also have devastating consequences for livestock keepers, causing personal distress as well as significant financial costs.”

The police have repeated advice for owners with keeping dogs on leads or under close control around livestock being high on the list.

Owners should also keep their dog in sight if walking in a field with no livestock, be aware of what it is doing and be confident it will return promptly on command.

If walkers do come across a sheep on its back they should try to roll it over and raise the alarm with the farmer, where possible.