Sheep herders hailed new powers for the police to respond more effectively to the most serious livestock incidents of concern.

The government this week released an action plan that aims to “revolutionize” animal welfare, including a stronger stance on disturbing sheep crimes.

It follows new Scottish legislation which imposes fines of up to £ 40,000 on dog owners and possible prison sentences for the most serious offenders.

The National Sheep Association (NSA), which welcomed the government’s new action plan, said it hopes the UK will soon be a level playing field for legislation.

“The NSA was pleased to welcome the announcement this week that police must be given new powers to respond more effectively to the most serious incidents involving sheep,” said Chief Executive Officer Phil Stocker.

“The NSA has worked tirelessly to raise awareness and part of it has been efforts to bring about a change in legislation in England and Wales that more effectively protects sheep farmers from attack by dogs.”

It comes as the group’s #LeadOn campaign highlighting the impact of dog worrying sheep ends on Friday (May 14).

This year’s campaign has attracted interest from a wide range of national broadcasters and press, including BBC Breakfast, ITV Good Morning Britain and The Times.

The NSA said it hopes an increase in awareness and understanding among dog owners across the country about the seriousness of the problem can finally be achieved.

Mr Stocker said: “While the NSA is pleased with the success of #LeadOn, we have no illusions that our work on this issue is finished.

“The NSA is committed to ensuring that the public develops a better understanding of the stress and suffering that any dog, regardless of breed, can cause to sheep.

“This is a serious animal welfare issue that puts highly valued sheep and pets at risk.”

#LeadOn began in late April with the launch of the NSA investigation results which revealed a worrying increase in cases of sheep concerned about dogs over the past year.

More than two-thirds of sheep herders have seen an increase in attacks, with each herder having on average experienced seven separate incidents in the past year.

Farmers who responded to the survey also reported feelings of anxiety, anger, anger, stress and frustration due to the sheep worrying about dog attacks.