Lambing Season is Here: Keep Your Dogs on Leads

It’s that time of year again, lambing season is already under way across parts of the island, and farmers are asking everyone to lend a hoof.

Police in the north have issued a reminder that fields near public footpaths and old railway lines are now home to heavily pregnant ewes, all under the careful watch of their shepherds.

While it might not always be obvious from the path, sheep could be just the other side of a fence, and even the friendliest dog can cause serious stress to expectant ewes.

The message is simple: keep dogs on leads when walking near fields at this time of year, even if your dog is usually well behaved and ‘would never chase a sheep’.

Lambing season can start earlier than many people expect, and disturbance can have real consequences for both ewes and unborn lambs.

Police are also encouraging people to help spread the word by liking and sharing the message, and they’re more than happy for you to post your best early lamb photos in the comments of their post.

As we’re selfish, we’d like to see them too. Contact hello@gef.im and we’ll share em!

Cute lamb pics welcome. Loose dogs? Nope.