Eremophila’s Musings

While out walking in the hills with my dog and horse, I came across a mob of sheep with very young lambs at foot, and others obviously quite close to lambing. I took care to give them wide berth to avoid disturbing them, even though I am a familiar sight to them. My horse was most interested, and keen to get a closer view, but also turned away when she realised the sheep were becoming distressed by her proximity. The dog was told to ‘come behind’ and leave the sheep alone, which he did.

We continued along with the walk, occasionally finding more small groupings of ewes and lambs. I am always taken by the way one ewe will be designated as the ‘baby sitter’, and can have many lambs in her care, while their mothers are off grazing further away. Also, I have seen ewes ‘hide’ a lamb by a bush, while she goes off for a time. As with other animals, the mothers can recognise the cry of their own lamb, and come hurrying back if they hear a distressed sound. A ewe will stamp her foot defiantly at intruders, and protect her lamb fiercely if need be.

Up ahead, I saw something that didn’t seem quite right, and on further investigation, I found a ewe with a dead lamb protruding from her rear end, unable to complete the birthing process. She was straining unsuccessfully, but when I approached she got up and moved away, albeit with some difficulty. For a while I followed at a distance, hoping that the situation would change, but alas no. And on my own, there was nothing I could do. At that point I turned around and headed for home, and then contacted the owner of the sheep to let him know of the situation. Hopefully he attended to the ewe. Realistically, I doubt it. When people have many, the loss of one or two is neither here nor there it seems.

In the old days, shepherds kept an eye on flocks of sheep, and were there to assist with any birthing problems. Those days are long gone. Welfare of animals too often takes second place to economics, and it is not economical to employ a shepherd. What a shame. Shameful that an animal can be used for profit, but with disregard shown for it’s welfare. Shameful that a blind eye is turned to these situations time and again.

Yet is it any wonder that animals are treated with disregard, when people so often treat each other with contempt. They have forgotten the sacredness of life. All life. Whether it be an earthworm or an earthling, let’s remember it is all sacred.