In the coming days fields in Buckland Brewer parish which have public footpaths running across and through them will be populated by expectant ewes.
Remember that once a dog has “poo-ed”, regardless of whether you clean up after it or not, the bacterial damage has been done. Dog mess bacteria causes, amongst other things, abortion in sheep and cattle.
Sheep take fright easily and the sight an enthusiastic dog could also cause a ewe to lose her unborn lamb.
Finally, please be aware that farmers are legally entitled to shoot dogs deemed to be causing a nuisance to livestock. No one wants to do that.
So let’s ensure there are no mishaps in any way. Please please please ensure your dog is kept on a lead regardless of whether you can see sheep in the area or not. Thank you so much.