Council reminds people to keep safe around livestock

With longer days and more opportunities to get outdoors, Fermanagh and Omagh District Council is reminding the public to be careful when walking in the countryside, particularly where there is livestock.

Livestock can be unpredictable and aggressive when you are entering their territory, when they have been startled or disturbed and when dogs are present.

The Council would remind the public that it is particularly important to adhere to this advice during the Spring and Summer months when livestock are due to give birth to their young.  If you are walking with a dog, be mindful that they may behave differently and become excitable around livestock.  Therefore, it is important to ensure they are kept under control at all times.  Remember, livestock worrying is a criminal offence and could result in prosecution if the dog owner is identified.

If you find yourself in an area with livestock, keep your distance from the animals and never turn your back on them; give the animals space, particularly at this time of year with young and don’t startle them with loud noise or closing in on them; keep dogs under control, where they are permitted; and keep calm.  Move quickly and quietly away from the livestock.

On some paths and trails in the countryside, there may be signage erected to manage responsible access, particularly where access has been granted by through permissive landowner agreement. The public is encouraged to adhere to any signage on paths and trails to respect and protect the land and nature.

In many rural areas, mobile phone signal can be poor, therefore, it could be challenging to get help if you get into difficulty. It is important to let people know where you are going in the event of an emergency. In the event of an emergency dial 999 or 112 to access emergency services.

Supporting the awareness campaign, Councillor John McClaughry, Chair of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, commented:

“The rural nature of our District means that there are numerous opportunities to get outdoors and enjoy the countryside.

However, it is important to be mindful that much of the countryside is a working environment and not respecting the animals and wildlife or adhering to any signage in place can be dangerous for the public as well as the animals.

I would encourage everyone to take care when you are out walking and enjoying our beautiful landscapes and be respectful of the countryside so everyone can enjoy it for generations to come.”

Fermanagh and Omagh District Council is a member of Leave No Trace Ireland and is committed to promoting the Seven Leave No Trace Principles which include respecting animals and wildlife and being considerate of those who live and work in the countryside.  It is important that we all work together to protect our natural

Landscapes and ensure they are cherished, sustainably managed and appropriately accessible.

For more information on the Leave No Trace Principles, visit www.fermanaghomagh.com.