Police are warning dog owners to keep their pets on leads to prevent pregnant sheep from being startled.

The issue was brought up after the Ramsey station on Parliament Square received calls about loose dogs near sheep within the northern farming communities.

A statement was later released along with a poster made by a member of the farming community, asking dog owners to keep close control of their dogs around livestock.

The police said: ’Did you know a startled sheep can spontaneously abort? This isn’t a disaster story, fortunately, but the reminder needs to go out again.

’Please remember, if you live North, you live near working farms.

’Allowing your dogs to enter a field to chase bunnies or wallabies and losing sight of them behind the hedges could spell disaster for the little flock, which is sheltering out of sight or for the ewes in the adjoining field.

’Don’t permit your dogs to run on land that doesn’t belong to you, even on the footpath where you usually let them loose.

’If there are sheep behind the fence you must keep your dogs on leads.

’The farmer has taken every care and precaution to bring his sheep safely in. Be aware of your responsibilities as a member of the community, which enjoys the landscape she farms and manages.’

General Secretary of Manx National Farmer’s Union Andrew Cooper said: ’Having loose dogs around pregnant sheep has always been a problem.

’There’s a greater chance of pregnant sheep dying or aborting their lambs from being chased by dogs.’

Under the Dogs Act 1990, keepers who do not have proper control of their dogs, which have been causing stress to livestock could receive a £2500 fine.