NI Water requires visitors to keep dogs on leads at all its beauty spots in Northern Ireland. The rule applies across every site to safeguard pets, grazing livestock and local wildlife.

The request follows worries about unrestrained dogs affecting farmers. Sheep and lambs die each year from attacks or stress caused by loose dogs. Ewes lose lambs in these cases, creating financial and emotional strain for farmers.

Dog owners risk fines up to £1000 under legislation if their pets worry sheep.

Rebecca Allen, NI Water Catchment Officer, stated that sites like Silent Valley in the Mourne Mountains and Garron Plateau in Co. Antrim support ground-nesting birds, habitats, drinking water catchments and farmers' work. These areas are managed by NI Water, the National Trust and partners.

Allen noted that even a loose dog can startle sheep into injuring themselves while fleeing. Such dogs also scatter nesting birds, exposing eggs and chicks to predators. She said dogs' instincts may lead them to chase livestock despite training.

Visitors must follow the Countryside Code for Northern Ireland. This includes keeping dogs on leads and bagging plus binning waste. Allen said leads protect wildlife and keep dogs safe.