As people head out to enjoy the countryside this Easter weekend, the Manx NFU is reminding everyone to take special care around newborn lambs and calves and to be careful not to disturb them.

The Easter weekend is traditionally used as an opportunity to get out and enjoy the countryside. Easter also marks one of the most important and busy periods for livestock farmers as lambing and calving is well under way.  

While encouraging the public to go out and enjoy the country, the Union is asking people to be mindful of livestock and, in particular, to keep dogs well away from vulnerable young and pregnant animals.

President of the Manx NFU Ray Craine said;

“Spring is a great time to head out into the countryside and we obviously welcome responsible walkers and other recreational users who want to enjoy the Island’s countryside. However, everyone should also be aware that spring is a particularly busy time for farmers and a critical time for newborn calves and lambs.

“Farms are a place of work and livestock can be easily upset at this time of year. In particular, dogs should be kept well away from cows, which can be very protective of newborn calves.  The same applies to sheep where it is worth keeping in mind that even if no lambs are present, pregnant ewes are extremely vulnerable to being disturbed by dogs.

“Farmers welcome people visiting the countryside to learn more about what happens on a farm and where their food comes from and I hope that people will bear in mind how important it is to behave appropriately when out and about on footpaths which run through farmland with livestock.”