Crucial time for Island's farmers

There’s an appeal for dog owners to keep their pets firmly under control in the countryside, at a critical time for the Island’s farmers.

Lambing season runs from March until June, and the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture says each year it receives reports of sheep-worrying.

There was an attack on a flock in West Baldwin on Monday evening, which reportedly resulted in six being mauled and many more being spooked, which could lead to complications with their unborn lambs.

The situation is the same with cows and their calves.

DEFA is now appealing for dog-walkers to behave responsibly when exercising their pets: and asking anybody who sees out-of-control animals to report the incident to police.

Manx Radio’s Countryside presenter Simon Clarke says even the most harmless and well-behaved dogs need to be kept on a leash near livestock: