Spring in Northern Ireland is one of the best times to get outside with your dog. The evenings are brighter, flowers are blooming. Forest trails and coastal paths feel alive again.
But spring also means lambing season.
And that changes things.
Across Northern Ireland, agricultural bodies are reminding dog owners to take extra care in the countryside. It is not about stopping people from walking their dogs. It is about protecting livestock, supporting farmers, and keeping your dogs safe too.
As Best Bark stands for responsible dog-friendly living, this is part of that conversation.
Here is what every dog owner in Northern Ireland should know this spring.
Why Lambing Season Matters
Lambing season typically runs from late winter into spring. During this time, ewes are heavily pregnant or caring for newborn lambs.
Sheep are easily stressed. Even a dog that is simply running nearby can cause panic. That stress can lead to:
- Miscarriages
- Abandoned lambs
- Injury to sheep
- Lambs becoming separated from their mothers
Many dog owners say, “My dog wouldn’t hurt a sheep.” And that may be true. But chasing and worrying livestock is enough to cause harm.
It only takes seconds.
The Legal Reality in Northern Ireland
This is the part many people do not realise.
Under the Dogs (Northern Ireland) Order 1983, livestock worrying is a criminal offence. If a dog attacks or worries sheep, a farmer is legally permitted to take action to protect their animals.
That can include in some extreme cases shooting the dog. No one wants that situation. The easiest way to avoid it is simple: use a lead.
The Golden Rules for Countryside Walks
Remember these five rules.
1. Keep Your Dog on a Lead Near Livestock
Not “under control”. Not “usually comes back”.
On a physical lead. Even well-trained dogs can react instinctively to running animals as dogs can become easily distracted by sheep, bolt across open ground and quickly become lost in areas such as the Mournes where terrain and visibility can make recovery difficult.
2. Use a Short, Secure Lead
Extendable leads are not ideal in open farmland. A standard fixed-length lead gives you better control and reduces risk.
3. Stick to Marked Paths
Many countryside and mountain routes in Northern Ireland cross active farmland. Respect signage. If a sign says dogs must be on leads, follow it. Even if you don’t see sheep in the vicinity, they can be just around the next corner. Again, this is especially important in the Mournes where hills can hide sheep.
4. Close Gates Behind You
Leaving gates open can allow livestock to escape or mix. It causes real problems for farmers.
5. Clean Up After Your Dog
Dog waste can carry parasites that harm livestock. Bag it and bin it properly.
Being dog-friendly means being farmer-friendly too.
Where to Walk Responsibly This Spring
Northern Ireland offers brilliant walking options that allow you to enjoy the outdoors while reducing livestock risk.
Some popular locations include:
Forest parks and managed trails often provide clearer boundaries, signage and designated dog areas.
That said, livestock can still be present. Always check local guidance before you visit.
If you are planning a dog-friendly Northern Ireland staycation, look for accommodation close to managed parks or coastal paths where livestock interaction is limited.
Common Mistakes Dog Owners Make
Let’s be honest. Most livestock incidents do not happen because someone intended harm.
They happen because:
- A lead was unclipped “just for a minute”
- A dog slipped its collar
- An owner assumed there were no sheep in the next field
- A recall failed under distraction
Spring is not the time to test recall skills in open farmland. If you want off-lead freedom, choose enclosed dog parks, secure beaches where permitted, or fenced woodland areas.
Why This Matters for Dog-Friendly Businesses
At Best Bark, we champion dog-friendly Belfast, dog-friendly Northern Ireland, and the incredible businesses that welcome our dogs.
But responsible dog ownership protects those opportunities.
When livestock incidents rise, restrictions follow. Landowners limit access. Tensions increase between rural communities and dog owners.
If we want more dog-friendly accommodation in Belfast, more dog-friendly cafes, and more access to countryside trails, we need to show that our community acts responsibly.
This is about long-term access.
Planning a Spring Dog-Friendly Day Out in NI
If you are planning a countryside day out this spring:
- Check the route in advance
- Research whether livestock are present
- Pack a standard lead, not just a retractable one
- Bring waste bags
- Keep an eye on signage
And if you are unsure, err on the side of caution.
There are still plenty of ways to enjoy the season safely.
Respect Goes Both Ways
Farmers work long hours. Lambing season is intense and demanding. A dog running through a field is not just an inconvenience. It can undo months of work. Equally, most dog owners simply want fresh air and time outdoors with their pets. The solution is not conflict. It is awareness. A lead. A bit of planning. A moment of caution. That is all it takes.
Walking Responsibly This Spring
Northern Ireland is a brilliant place to explore with a dog. From forest parks to coastal paths, we are lucky to have access to such varied landscapes. Spring just requires a little more care. At Best Bark, we believe dog-friendly living and countryside respect go hand in hand. Enjoy the lighter evenings. Enjoy the fresh air. Just keep the lead clipped when it matters most. If you are looking for dog-friendly places to eat, stay or explore across Northern Ireland, browse our directory and plan your next outing responsibly.
