Lamb losses: it’s the foxhunter and not the fox

PLASTIC jackets for lambs have been publicised recently as a form of protection against the elements — and against foxes.

In the list of major causes of lamb mortality, foxes do not feature. A Department of Agriculture survey showed that 90% of deaths are caused by abortion/stillbirth, exposure/starvation and infectious disease.

Meanwhile, in educational material published by the National Parks and Wildlife Service, it is stated that “no matter what people think, foxes seldom kill and eat lambs”.