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Thu, 20 Feb 2020
The ManxSPCA are calling for residents with dogs to consider sheep during the lambing season.
The animal welfare charity said the end of February and the beginning of March are peak times for lambing, and the sight of newly born lambs taking their first steps and gambling around their mothers is a frequent sight.
They said Manx farmers have reported an increase in the number of sheep worrying incidents in 2019 resulting in a range of consequences – dead or mortally wounded sheep and lambs, ewes that aborted their lambs due to shock, and lambs that were abandoned by, or separated from, their mothers due to stress.
Posting on social media about the issue, the MSPCA explained: 'The simple presence of a dog nearby can cause this stress, and the abandoned lambs can die of starvation or hypothermia if their mothers fail to find them.'
91 sheep have been killed by dogs in the last two years alone, and a further 21 injured.
The charity said there may be many more cases that have not been officially reported to the police.
Dog owners are being reminded to observe the Countryside Code when walking them and keep your dog on a lead when near sheep.
The social media post continued: 'A farmer may legally shoot a dog that is attacking or chasing livestock under certain circumstances. The law also takes this matter seriously - it is an offence to allow your dog to worry sheep, and may lead to prosecution and a fine of up to £2,500.'
If residents see a stray dog, whether it’s near sheep or not, advise the government’s dog warden service on 686688 between 9 am and 5 pm, Monday to Friday.
More advice can be found on the ManxSPCA Facebook page.
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