To think parents should take responsibility if children chase sheep on country walk?

[Firethorn]

Recently went for a country walk (public right of way across farmland) with SIL, my 2 nieces, and another couple and their 3 kids. Crossing a sheep-field, the 5 kids started chasing sheep, trying to 'round them up' in a flock like they'd seen sheepdogs do on TV. I asked SIL if we should stop them, she said no they always do this it's not doing any harm. Other couple agreed and said the kids are having fun, let them play with the sheep. I was a bit concerned as one child was carrying a stick and waving it around, but respected the parents' decision.
Shortly afterwards an irate farmer marched towards us shouting and swearing! She was really aggressive and had a snarling dog (off the lead), dog was circling us but not approaching. For about 5 minutes mins she yelled and swore at the kids for chasing her sheep. All 3 parents then turned on their kids and told them off, lying that they'd been telling them to stop but they'd disobeyed! (They hadn't told them to stop at any point). My niece burst into tears and hid behind me and I lost my temper with farmer for swearing at kids, told her to back off and stop shouting, and to get dog under control. The dad of one of other kids then threatened to kick the dog if it came near his kids, and after some more shouting we decided to go back way we'd come. She shouted abuse after us until we were out of sight!

I'm annoyed with other parents for letting their kids chase sheep then lying about trying to stop them! Also with farmer for being so intimidating and rude. SIL says we should just have apologised and carried on walking. AIBU?

I would guess nearly all vegetarians would not wish extra stress put onto animals. They generally don't think oh well they will be slaughtered, so no harm by scaring them in the field.

I'm a vegetarian and a born and raised country person from a farming family.
I am extremely well aware of what happens in farming.
At no point would I ever consider it ok to chase sheep because they are just going to die anyway. Many aspects of our treatment of animals makes me feel uncomfortable which is why I became vegetarian.
However, other people eat meat and I completely respect their right to do so.

hysterical? its lambing season, those out of control children could have caused ewes to miscarry through stress. How on earth is that hysterical. Yes I agree mnhq should do something about the self admitted goady fuckers on here.

Its surprising how many children come round my house and think its ok to chase the chickens.
They're soon put straight on that one.

If children don't respect country laws and animals they need guidance and education.

Jesus Christ seldom have I read such selfish stupidity. OP the behaviour of you and your family was appalling.
And how dare you have had a go at that poor woman after trespassing on her land and endangering her animals?
You stupid awful people.

You are disgusting Firehtorn. Those poor sheep!

If I was you, I would speak to your sister and make her and the children go and apologize properly to the farmer. I would then advice your sister to donate any pocket money for her kids to an animal rights charity for the next month or so.

BTW, if you ever kick my dog, you will regret it.

Gosh, a rather hysterical thread

Hmm, well that was a worthy contribution then...

I see no hysteria.

Just people rightly pointing out that our sheep farmers livelihoods depend on actual live lambs and sheep.

So, you know, kind of fundamental.

@EveDallas

Olivia, considering the goady posts that PrettyFeet has made on this thread, and that fact that she is on another thread admitting that she is enjoying being a GoadyFucker, AND that MNers have been crying out for MNHQ to do something about the GFs that are ruining MN. Will you be doing anything about this poster?

After the ESD debacle, it would be appreciated if you would take action.

Rest assured, we're on this like Justin Elliot on a blocked culvert.
Thanks

Dawn - I mourn the day when the chic people cottoned on to Barbours.

My very real and authentic Barbour went out and about with me shooting rabbits and stuff.

Now I can't wear it because of stupid townie types nicking it as a "style".

Like proper Burberry. Used to be good but not now.

The point had been very well made in the first couple of hours. There's just no need to keep on and on shouting the same message - is there?

Farmer here, would notices make any difference? No, not a jot, but would contribute to ongoing suburbanisation.

We're generally cheery and jolly, sharing where we live & work; accept dog walking (hate shit left in bags), tolerate fuckwit parking, smile and wave ...until livestock are threatened and then we become less affable.

I'm taking my dog to the vet tomorrow for surgery on necrotising wounds which are life threatening. The owner of the dog who inflicted the damage on my dog displays OPs attitude. My dog and I were going about our business on our land. And yes, I swear at people in circs described by OP.

Respect and consideration going both ways works well. OP I think you know you were being muppets, and that cross farmer lady might have been more agreeable if even one member of your party had shown any acceptance of responsibility.

For me key word in your post is responsibility

My comment was based on what pretty feet was saying. Sorry if it want clear. I fully understand vegetarians or anyone else would not like this situation. It is cruelty to animals.

Bloody Nora. This thread is bonkers. Is it a full moon?

Let me say it again.... I did not say it was ok for children to chase sheep, nor am I defending SIL or her friends' behaviour. I do know it's wrong to chase sheep and it concerned me that SIL and friends thought it was ok. I did NOT tell the children they could do it, I suggested to other parents we should stop them immediately, but they disagreed. Had I known it could cause sheep to have spontaneous abortion I would have made more of a fuss, but I had no idea. In reality I also think it very unlikely the children would have obeyed me over their parents.

I do see now why the farmer was so upset. Londonrach I'm sorry you feel upset too. And I appreciate we should have read the country code. I will certainly be educating SIL and my nieces about why they mustn't chase sheep in future!

But I also think some people on here are overreacting. Nobody set out to terrorise or damage anything, the adults had no idea it was a criminal act to let their kids chase sheep. Many people in SIL's village are originally from city, haven't lived there long and don't understand country ways. I'm sure SIL and friends thought their kids were playing a harmless game and had no idea the sheep were pregnant or in any distress, or that chasing them could damage a farmers livelihood. My nieces are more used to petting sheep at city-farms (where you go into field with tame sheep and goats, pet and feed them and play with them). People are not 'stupid' or 'cruel' because they have a different experience.

Since more and more 'townies' are moving into country areas, it would be wise for farmers to educate people rather than assume everyone knows the country ways. Yes people should research it, but many won't. A simple notice (explaining sheep are pregnant so do not approach) would have prevented this situation. Shouting, swearing, behaving like a bully and letting a snarling farm-dog intimidate children does not breed mutual respect and tolerance. It only widens the gap between farmers and newcomers and creates resentment. A stern telling off (with an explanation) would have been far more effective.

If you have to be told that chasing sheep, or any animal for that matter, is wrong then there's something wrong somewhere.

And FYI, it's not anyones responsibility to educate you or your family. You move there, you learn the law of the land.

You're still not getting it are you OP?

But OP, 'petting' and 'playing' with sheep is a far cry from chasing them repeatedly and brandishing a stick while doing so. Can you not see the difference?

Oh my god, you really are stupid aren't you? There's no reasoning with people like you.

Are you having a laugh?! Education you on basic knowledge, don't stray on to people's land and chase their lively hood in spring. you know that time associated with little bunnies, lambs and chicks?

genuinely thought everyone would know not to run and scare animals, esp sheep and other livestock.

How many notes would there have to be to ask people to be considerate. Not everyone goes through a gate, some will climb a fence.

Firethorn - you say the adults had no idea that it was a criminal act to chase the sheep - why is that even relevant?

Is it OK to chase and terrorise animals as long as it is not a crime?

These sheep were living creatures, not toys for your nieces to play with. Perhaps, as well as informing your SIL about the risks to pregnant sheep from being chased, you should also tell them to teach her children to be kind to living creatures - since they clearly don't know this yet!

While chasing sheep is not a good idea. The level of hysteria on this thread is a bit scary.

I really hope none of you have pets.

Ok Julia, tell that to a farmer.