No matter how much you think you know your dog, and how much you trust them, please take note of the Isle of Man Constabulary’s current awareness campaign ‘Take the lead’. The campaign is highlighting the fact many pregnant ewes are gathered in from their usual pastures for safe-keeping during for lambing at this time of year. Sometimes their new fields can be very close to urban areas, and some are even located within a town itself (Peel is a perfect example).

Every dog has it within them to chase sheep, even if it’s just for fun and they mean no harm – and, in fact, would be terrified if the sheep stood their ground. But a sheep’s instincts are to flee, and the stress of the chase is enough for a ewe to abort her unborn lamb.

If the ewe has a lamb by her side, the results of a loose dog can be even worse. A frightened ewe can be easily separated from her vulnerable offspring, which will then be susceptible to attack from hungry crows.

The Constabulary urges all dog owners to keep their dogs on leads whenever they are near livestock; and not to exercise their dogs in fields that don’t belong to them or without the landowner’s permission.

And it’s not just when you’re out on a walk that your dog may have the temptation to chase a sheep. We receive regular reports about dogs that have escaped from their owner’s back gardens or yards, and so please double check that your gates are secure, and that you don’t have any gaps in your fencing.