Recreational walkers in Northern Ireland have been urged to keep their dogs under control after a recent attack on sheep near the Giant's Causeway.

National Trust NI, the Northern Ireland branch of the UK's National Trust, said that the recent dog attack at Dunseverick Harbour, a short distance up the shoreline from the famed geological feature, is a "timely reminder that dogs should be kept on a lead near livestock".

A post on the Giant's Causeway Facebook page, which is operated by National Trust NI, noted that sheep worrying "can have as devastating consequences, causing significant stress, often leading to short- and long-term issues, including fertility problems, abortion in pregnant ewes, serious injuries, and in some cases death".

The post adds: "Dogs have the potential to cause serious distress to grazing livestock, if not properly controlled."

National Trust NI stressed that preventing incidents like this "starts with responsible dog ownership".

The trust urged dog walkers to follow all on-site signage wherever they are, and to keep dogs under close control "to help keep grazing livestock safe from harm".

Bluetongue in Northern Ireland

Two suspect cases of bluetongue are currently under investigation in Northern Ireland.

The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) told Agriland that samples had been sent to a laboratory for testing.

Further details on the locations or the animals involved were not revealed.

If confirmed, these cases would be the first cases of bluetongue confirmed in Northern Ireland to date this year.

The suspected cases came after Minister for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Andrew Muir warned in late September that there was a strong possibility that clinical cases of bluetongue would soon emerge in Northern Ireland.

Minister Muir said: "The surge in cases in Britain, together with the recent detections in Ireland and the increased severity of clinical signs, is concerning."

"I and my officials believe there is a strong possibility clinical cases will emerge over the next month," the minister said.