How to upright an overturned sheep (and save its life)
If you enjoy walking in the hills, you are going to come across a lot of sheep.
If out walking, follow the Countryside Code to keep all creatures safe. Keep dogs away from steep banks, mushrooms, cliffs and toxic plants/trees.
However, sometimes sheep can fall over onto their backs. Sometimes due to pregnancy but also due to rain-soaked wool (which happens a lot in rainy areas like Cumbria). Sheep can’t right themselves. And if someone does not help them, they could die of shock or bloat.
So know how to upright an overturned sheep, if the farmer is not nearby:
- Approach slowly from the side (keep dogs away) and check for signs of distress (if injured, call the farmer or RSPCA if no farmer is around).
- Grip firmly around shoulder and hip (not by legs, horn, tail or wool).
- Roll gently onto its side, then help into a sitting position on its chest. Keep legs underneath its body.
- Support the sheep while unsteady, but don’t force it to stand.
- Once upright, watch for several minutes to ensure it goes back to the flock. If due to rain-soaked wool, stay with the sheep until the rain has drained off, the stop the same happening again.
