Sheep should safely graze..

This weekend we went up to Warwickshire and then on to Worcestershire to see friends and to attend a Diamond Wedding celebration.

As someone brought up in the Warwickshire countryside in the 1950’s, living in Suffolk, I really miss seeing cows and sheep in the fields.  We don’t have too many animals amongst the acres of wheat and barley.  As you travel away from East Anglia however, the number increases and somehow this makes the countryside feel more like the real thing!

I was pleased to learn therefore that one of our local farmers in Acton is trying to build up a commercial flock of sheep on his land.   At the same time, it was depressing to hear that he has been having trouble with people who allow their dogs to run freely near to his animals.

Keeping dogs under close control when near cattle and sheep is important.  Not doing so is to show ignorance of the rules and customs of country life.  Allowing dogs to harass sheep is cruel and unnecessary.  Farmers need to make a living, and keeping livestock means a lot of hard work, often for a rather modest return.

As the farmer in question writes ‘’to allow dogs not on a lead to roam freely is the height of selfishness…’

Yes, indeed it is!  We are very lucky to be able freely to enjoy the green spaces of the Suffolk Countryside, but we really should have consideration for those for whom the countryside is a place of work, not pleasure.

If you cannot keep your dog on a lead near livestock, I suggest that you take it for a walk in the park!