I saw five burly firemen making their way along a footpath, so of course followed them! (not really - I was going that way anyway). Then I saw them disappear down the canal bank, and appear a minute later with a soaking wet sheep. Not the first time the shepherd or firemen have had to get sheep out of the water.I hope it wasn't chased there by a dog. It gave itself a good shake - I stood and watched for a couple of minutes until it started grazing, so I hope it will be OK. On my way back I saw the shepherd's van arriving, so presumably he had been contacted and was going to check it was alright. The landowner is very anti dog walkers (caused by one irresponsible owner whose dogs injured sheep a few years ago) and would stop us using the land if it wasn't a right of way. In many ways though dog walkers are of use to him as we are the ones who spot a sheep in trouble and report it. The vast majority of us keep our dogs on leads when in the sheep fields but there are always those who think the 'keep dogs on leads' notices don't apply to them!
It's the same here, on some of the parks there are signs saying DOGS MUST BE ON LEADS WHEN WALKING THROUGH THE GARDENS but dog owners ignore the signs, but then again they ignore the signs saying DON'T PICK THE FLOWERS as well.
As I was going through the gate to the sheep field this morning I saw that the shepherd had put up a notice with his phone number in case of difficulties with the sheep.Well it obviously worked because a few seconds later I saw him arrive and approach a group of people who pointed out where another sheep was stuck! (It definitely wasn't the same one!) He said he himself had pulled out three sheep recently, and the fire services had pulled out FIVE! They are now saying they won't do it any more, so that's why he's put the notices up (which should have been there anyway I think.) The problem apparently is that the water level is much lower than usual, and sometimes when the sheep try and reach it they overbalance and then get stuck. Fortunately they've had no problems with dogs this year and the sheep all seem very relaxed.
I don't think he'd be allowed to do that as the canal is used by anglers, and the sheep need to get to it to drink. And Bogie would be furious if he wasn't able to get down to the water!
Big issue where I live as I have sheep fields on 3 sides of our house and a popular country walk (in guide books) that runs through them. I have a lot of sympathy for livestock owners (friends) and can relate to their problems. Adequate fencing helps. I've lost count of how many times I've had to put sheep back in the field which were on our lane or in my garden. Many years ago one of my Springers nailed a sheep and It broke my heart. He was lucky not to be shot but fortunately we worked it out. Others may not be so lucky.
Fortunately the farmer has taken great care with fencing bordering the fields and I don't think there's any chance of the sheep getting onto the roads. The problem is with the canal - though we've had so much rain the last couple of days I'm hoping the water level will rise and the sheep will be able to reach it safely. What a dreadful experience you had with your Springer. Glad he wasn't shot, but poor sheep. I don't know whether this shepherd would shoot or not. A local man was taken to court a couple of years ago and had his dogs removed and was banned from getting another for ten years I think it was. The sheep this year seem remarkably relaxed around dogs - you almost have to say 'excuse me please' when you want to pass! I feel happy enough about the welfare of these sheep. The shepherd inspects that all is well frequently and I am certain that he would respond instantly to any problem.
