A Jurby farmer is asking consideration around Bonfire Night, following devastating livestock losses and injuries on his farm last year.
Tom Cleator of Ballakeenan Farm said fireworks set off near his fields caused “absolute chaos” in his flock.
The incident resulted in four ewes aborting their lambs and one ewe, being treated for arthritis, panicking so badly “that she shattered her hip”.
“The emotional toll was huge. Watching animals you care for suffer because of something so preventable is truly devastating,” Tom said.
Worry
With new lambs on the ground and heavily pregnant ewes, Tom said he is “genuinely worried” about a repeat.
He has contacted government officials but was told “there’s unfortunately nothing we can do to prevent fireworks being set off near the farm”.
Tom is now making a direct appeal, asking those planning displays in Jurby to “avoid setting them off near Jurby Church” and for anyone in the countryside to “inform nearby farmers or horse owners beforehand”.
“We’re not here to spoil anyone’s fun,” he said, emphasising the goal is to protect livestock and ensure a safe celebration for all.