Large herds of sheep can be seen grazing comfortably along the coast in particular – an idyllic sight, especially for holidaymakers looking to relax in the region. In some situations, however, shepherds and sheep breeders in Lower Saxony are now emphasizing that they can also do the sheep a real service.
In a press release from the Landvolk Lower Saxony State Farmers’ Association, they ask sheep that are lying on their backs to be pushed. Yes, you read that correctly: Even laypeople shouldn’t be afraid to “grab the fur of a sheep lying on its back and give the animal a push so that it can get up again,” it says.
“It is not always clear at first glance whether an animal really needs help, but when in doubt, ‘pushing the sheep’ is expressly desired and serves to protect the species,” write the sheep owners. Especially pregnant sheep and breeds with short legs are affected. Such situations can quickly become life-threatening for them because the internal organs press on the lungs and there is a risk of suffocation due to the disturbed rumination.
Holidaymakers can become lifesavers for the animals by helping them get back on their feet. Otherwise, it is better to leave the sheep alone when they are grazing on the dikes. They should never be petted or teased, warns the Lower Saxony State Farmers’ Association in a statement: “Unrest is not good for the animals.” Even on paved paths, it is better to simply leave the animals to themselves: “The sheep like to rest here, especially when it’s warm.”
Source: Landvolk Lower Saxony State Farmers Association
Watch the video: When thousands of sheep leave their summer pastures, shepherds with dogs steer them in an impressive interaction over many kilometers to their new meadows. Photographer Lior Patel captured the remarkable spectacle of a herd in Israel from the air.
