This poor sheep was in a field in Lezayre with others when they were attacked last month by two springer spaniel-type dogs.

The Manx NFU says the farmer was unable to catch the dogs and as he approached them they acted aggressively and then ran off in the direction of Garey Ford.

This is a critical time for sheep farmers: a few of them will have started lambing already and there will be tiny lambs running around the fields with their mothers.

For the majority, particularly those in the uplands, who won’t start lambing till March or April, their ewes will be heavily pregnant and vulnerable.

Andrew Cooper, general secretary of the Manx NFU, said: ’The devastating effects of a dog attack are evident and cannot be overstated but significant damage can also be caused by a dog simply being present in a field.

’Pregnant ewes can abort their lambs, or lambs can be separated from their mothers, causing distress and in some cases malnutrition and death.

’The advice to anyone walking and exercising their dogs in the countryside is to ensure that they are under control at all times and to avoid going into fields where livestock is grazing - if you’re passing through a field of sheep on a public footpath or right of way, keep your dog on a short lead at all times and do not allow it to bark uncontrollably.

’If you’re walking through a field of cattle it is recommended to walk around the outside fenced edge of the field and if you are pursued by the cattle only then should you release your dog and stay close to the fence. Those who use the countryside for recreation, and farmers, are urged to report all incidents of livestock worrying to police.’

Countryside ranger, Mark Kerruish, patrols the 28,000 acres around the island that make up the DEFA estate.

He said: ’I urge people to take extra care when exercising dogs during lambing season.

’Much of the Isle of Man Government hill land is grazed by sheep, and a few plantations which are regularly used by dog walkers are bordered by fields containing sheep and lambs. In these locations the use of a lead is encouraged during this vulnerable time.

’The lambing season tends to overlap the start of the breeding season for ground nesting birds, which can be prevalent in areas such as hill land and the Ayres National Nature Reserve.’

He said that that intentional or reckless disturbance of ground nesting birds is an offence under the Wildlife Act.

The Manx NFU’s Mr Cooper added: ’We may not think our family pet is capable of causing injury: to you, your dog may look like it’s being playful, but it is a dog’s natural instinct to chase. So think ahead, when you’re out for your walk, about what might tempt your dog to run off, and ensure you keep them under proper control.

’If you lose your dog on or near farmland, ring the local police non-emergency number and contact the farmer.

’They will do their best to help you find the dog safely to avoid incident. Remember should a dog be caught in the act of attacking or seriously worrying livestock, farmers are allowed to shoot the dog.

’They don’t like shooting dogs and fortunately it is a rare occurrence but they do take livestock welfare very seriously.’