DOG owners are being advised to put their pets on a lead after five attacks in as many days.

Weymouth and Portland dog warden Ian Lewis said they all happened in quarries on Portland and involved dogs being exercised off the lead attacking other dogs.

Some owners have had to pay expensive veterinary bills because of injuries their pet suffered.

Depending on the circumstances, dogs which bite may be made the subject of a voluntary control order which lays down certain rules. But persistent offenders and the more serious cases are likely to end up in court where the owner can be fined or jailed and the dog ordered to be destroyed.

Mr Lewis said: "I tend to respond to one dog attack complaint a week so five in less than a week is very unusual.

"So far I have managed to speak to the owner of one of the dogs which attacked and she was very apologetic.

"She agreed to sign her dog up for the council registration scheme and put it under a voluntary control order.

"Depending on the reaction I receive, this is how I intend to handle the other cases."

He added: "To prevent this from happening in the future I would recommend that people out walking their dogs should put it on a lead if they see another dog coming. This way you can control the dog easily or pick it up to ensure it does not come to any harm. It's a very expensive business if a dog is bitten. An injection alone costs £40 and if it needs antibiotics you're talking upwards of £100."

Owners are advised to exchange details if their dogs are involved in an incident and report it to Mr Lewis at Weymouth and Portland Borough Council.

To join the registration scheme and for advice about responsible dog ownership call Mr Lewis on 01305 838468.