Ram raid peril for pedigree flock

The Wensleydale ram has broken through hedges five times

A farmer says his pedigree herd of sheep is under threat from a runaway ram.

The Wensleydale ram has made several amorous forays into fields in Flintshire where John Lloyd keeps 150 Lleyn ewes.

Mr Lloyd has now captured the animal and is holding it under lock and key until his owner claims him back.

He says he must also wait until lambing time in the spring to see just how active the wayward ram has been.

Mr Lloyd, of Talwrn Farm in Higher Kinnerton, says he will also look for compensation from the ram's owner for "hassle and keep".

"We got into pedigree sheep in 2003, trying to get better stock for the market with full traceability," said Mr Lloyd.

Rams will fight viciously, and I was expecting to find my ram dead Farmer, John Lloyd

"I won't know if he's serviced any of my sheep until around February, when we'll see if we have any black sheep produced."

Mr Lloyd said the ram had broken through hedges into his fields five times during October.

He has his own pedigree ram there, and has been concerned for its safety.

"Rams will fight viciously, and I was expecting to find my ram dead if this continued," added the farmer.

Straying

Mr Lloyd has also expressed concern at the welfare and physical conditon of the wayward ram.

Flintshire council has confirmed that it is investigating.

A spokesperson for the council said: "We are also aware that Mr Lloyd has had advice from the police and is taking certain action in relation to the straying issue.

Mr Lloyd says he is now hoping the animal's owner will claim it, and meet his compensation bill for "hassle and keep".

"Of course, come February when we know what the ram has been up to, the compensation bill could be much higher," he added.