As spring arrives on the Isle of Man, our farming community is entering one of the busiest and most critical times of year. Lambing season is underway, and local farmers are working tirelessly to ensure healthy births and thriving newborn lambs. However, this vital period faces an ongoing threat that visitors and dog walkers should be aware of: the stress caused by unsupervised dogs can have devastating consequences for vulnerable ewes and their lambs.

Why Dog Control Matters During Lambing Season

Paul Costain from Moorhouse Farm in Colby emphasises that even friendly, well-meaning dogs pose a serious risk to sheep during this sensitive time. When dogs chase or approach sheep, the resulting panic and stress can separate ewes from their newborn lambs, leading to injury, illness, or even death. What might seem like harmless play to a dog owner can trigger a chain reaction of problems for farmers who depend on successful lambings for their livelihoods.

Stress-induced separation is particularly dangerous for newborn lambs, who rely on their mothers for warmth, nutrition, and protection during their first critical hours and days of life. A frightened ewe may abandon her lamb or fail to produce milk, putting the young animal's survival at serious risk.

How You Can Help

• Keep dogs on leads when walking near farmland or rural areas during lambing season (typically March to May)
• Respect farm boundaries and avoid areas where sheep are grazing
• If your dog shows interest in sheep, maintain strict control and move away quickly
• Report any incidents of sheep worrying to local authorities

Whether you're a visitor enjoying the Island's beautiful countryside or a local exploring our rural landscapes, your awareness and responsibility make a real difference. By respecting our farmers' work during this crucial season, you help protect both the animals and the agricultural heritage that defines so much of the Isle of Man.

Source: Read full article on ManxRadio