Dog walks warnings during Spring lambing season

FARMERS in South Kerry have asked that walkers be mindful of their dogs while out walking during lambing season. This is a critical time for farming communities and for everyone who is living in this unprecedented times but it behind the scenes of the crisis farmers are working hard in their local communities. With this in mind South Kerry Development Partnership have this week issued guidelines and a warning for walkers. While there is currently a 2km guideline in place walkers living near hills need to be mindful for lambing season. Walkers should also be mindful when this restriction is changed.

In Ireland landowners along all public walking trails in South Kerry are very welcoming of people on the walks during this time there is a need for people to respect the walks rules, explains CEO of SKDP, Noel Spillane. He has urged walkers to follow guidelines.

“This is a very busy time for farmers who have sheep lambing and cows calving and it is vital that people do not under any circumstances bring dogs onto the walks”.

He pointed out that dogs, whether on leads or not, are never allowed on the walks but now, more than ever, given the stress dogs can have on farm animals, people must obey this rule.”

Walking, particularly on the many public walking trails in South Kerry, is an ideal way for people to get exercise and fresh air during this period and it is also a safe way once people ensure they adhere to HSE guidelines around keeping social distancing.

“People should make sure to minimise their social contact with others on the walks in line with HSE guidelines” Noel said and added that people, particularly those who may not be used to the walks, should ensure they have suitable footwear and clothing to cope with changing weather conditions.

Photo by Valerie O’Sullivan Sheep Farmer Jimmy Kelly, Cill Rialaig, Bolus Head, on the Iveragh Peninsula with the assistance of SKDP are appealing to walkers not to bring dogs on the hills during lambing season.