How to Upright an Overturned Sheep (to save its life)
If you are out walking in the countryside, sometimes you may come across a sheep on its back. Sheep fall over either due to being heavily pregnant, or sometimes due to rain-soaked wool. Either way, it’s important to know how to quickly upright the creature, or else it will die.
Sheep stomachs ferment grass even when upside down, and this puts pressure on the lungs and heart. So they will die from suffocation or bloat, if nobody helps them get upright.
If there is no farmer nearby, here’s what to do:
- Approach the sheep from behind, brace against its back, grip the wool between the shoulder blades and lower back (never pull the wool) and gently roll the creature away from you, slowly tipping it upright.
- Hold the sheep upright on its rear legs to keep it steady for a minute, as it will have wobbly limbs, and blood circulation needs to normalise. Keep it secured to let excess rain drain off, to prevent the same happening again.
- Once the sheep can stand alone, let it return to its flock. Keep an eye on the sheep for a while, to ensure it’s okay. Inform the farmer if possible.
- Here’s a short simple video to show you what to do.
Keep sheep safe while out walking
- Follow the Countryside Code to keep all creatures safe. Keep dogs away from steep banks, mushrooms, toxic flowers and trees.
- Read our post on humane dog training, to keep dogs under control near sheep (if in doubt, don’t walk nearby).
- Put dogs on leads on Open Access land (a legal requirement between 1 March and 31 July). This is for your dog’s safety too, as farmers can legally shoot dogs that worry sheep.
- Report farm animal concerns first to farmers with a friendly word. If no joy, call RSPCA (or Crimestoppers (anonymous).
