Police are reminding dog owners to keep their pets on leads when walking near farmland as lambing season gets underway across the island.
At this time of year, fields along old railway lines and other public footpaths are often home to heavily pregnant ewes, which are gathered closely under the watchful eye of farmers.
Even well-behaved dogs can cause stress or harm to sheep if allowed to roam freely.
Lambing Season Begins
Officers are urging anyone walking dogs near farmland to be mindful of nearby livestock and to keep dogs under control at all times.
Pregnant ewes are particularly vulnerable, and disturbances can lead to serious welfare issues for both ewes and unborn lambs.
Police are also encouraging the public to help spread the message by liking and sharing their social media posts.
