Rutland MP Alicia Kearns is backing a bid to make to legal to force dog owners to keep their dog on a lead when they are near farm animals.

The MP is backing what is known as Gladis's Law following a campaign by a Dorset farmer, which has gained the backing of Farming Minister Victoria Prentice.

As reported by FarmingUK, the campaign began when the farmer lost a cow, Gladis, and a calf when the cow was chased to death by a dog in May.

A petition has attracted thousands of signatures and the campaign has reached millions more through social media.

With the support of the government, a bill could then become law.

Today, Rutland and MP Alicia Kearns also gave such a move her support.

Mrs Kearns said: "Too often residents report to me the deaths or spooking of livestock due to dogs allowed to venture far too far from their owners in our fields.

"I am proud to have worked with my colleagues to ensure that livestock are better protected and by backing this new law.

"That's why I'm backing and the Government is backing Gladis' law to ensure that dogs must be kept on leashes around livestock.

"This will help prevent completely unnecessary animal deaths and prevent huge losses for farmers, by asking dog owners to make a small and responsible change."

The MP added: "It's these kind of positive solutions that can come from Government listening to local people."