Reports of dogs chasing wildlife sparked a day of action to teach dog owners about their responsibilities.

Police officers from Hertfordshire Constabulary’s Rural Operational Support Team and Rickmansworth and District Safer Neighbourhood Team joined representatives from Three Rivers District Council for the event at Rickmansworth Aquadrome on August 14.

The council said on its Facebook post that the operation was carried out following several reports of dogs chasing wildlife.

PC Jenny Edwards said: “There is significant wildlife present in the area and dogs not on a lead or under control can cause significant harm and even death. The area is well used by the local community and we want to avoid them having to witness any distressing scenes.

“The aim of the event was to speak with dog owners, to educate them on their responsibilities around keeping their dogs under control.

“It was a great success and I hope it shows members of the public that we do take these issues seriously when they are raised with the police.”

Cllr Phil Williams, the council’s lead member for environmental services and sustainability, said: “Even the best trained dogs can get carried away when out in parkland or the countryside, so this joint operation has been an extremely important opportunity to remind owners that they must be in complete control of their pets in order to prevent wildlife from being chased, alarmed or injured.”