A ewe had to be put down after a dog was seen chasing, and dragging it across a field near Ashford.

A man has now been charged with livestock worrying after the incident which happened at around 4.30pm on Thursday, March 10, on agricultural land in Kenardington.

At one stage, a witness reported seeing the distressed ewe dragged across the field by the dog, before it and its owner left the area.

The sheep was found with serious injuries to a hind leg and its body which meant it had to be put down.

Charlie Hawker was later arrested in connection with the incident and charged with one count of being the owner of a dog worrying livestock.

The 28-year-old, of Appledore Road, Ashford, has been released on bail and will attend Folkestone Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, April 28.

PC Michael Sutton, from Kent Police’s Rural Task Force, said: "Livestock worrying is an unacceptable hindrance to farmers and combatting offending such as this is a leading priority for our team.

"We will always review all available information to ensure proportionate action is taken.

"I encourage all dog walkers, particularly those visiting agricultural areas, to take appropriate action to ensure their pets do not endanger livestock.

"Failure to adhere to this basic responsibility is a criminal offence."