Your dog could now be taken away from you if police think it might attack sheep

Dog walkers are told to keep their pet on a lead when in rural areas (Picture: Getty Images)

Dogs that could attack cattle, sheep and other livestock can now be detained by police under a new law that comes into effect today.

The move is part of a government crackdown on livestock worrying and attacks, which can often lead to injury and deaths.

These incidents can happen when dog walkers take their pets into the countryside without restraining them on a lead, freeing them up to chase and harm farm animals.