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If on your next walk in the countryside you should happen to see a sheep lying on its back with its legs in the air, you might just be able to save that sheep's life.

Sheep do not naturally lie on their backs and they cannot easily right themselves. So if you find one in that position there's a chance it could be in trouble.

Now sheep dog trainer Andy Nickless has made a video showing how people can help get a sheep that's stuck back on its feet again.

How do sheep get stuck?

According to the Working Sheepdog Website , a sheep is at risk of getting stuck on its back if it is heavily pregnant, it has a heavy, possibly wet fleece or it's simply too fat.

But once stuck on its back, it's vulnerable to attack from predators such as crows.

What's worse, it could be on a countdown to suffocation. Grass fermenting in its stomach produces gas, and if the sheep is on its back the gas can't escape.

As the gas builds up in the sheep's stomach it causes pressure on the lungs, eventually preventing it from breathing.

What to do if you find one on its back

Andy Nickless shows how to take hold of a sheep's legs or fleece and turn it over in his video. You might even need to do it again if it rolls too far and ends up on its back again, he warns.

But as soon as it is able it's likely to get back on its feet and run to join the rest of the flock - although it might be a bit wobbly at first.

Oh and don't forget, if you have a dog with you make sure it's under control and preferably well away from the sheep.

Word of caution

The Farmers' Union of Wales (FUW) advises members of the public not to approach sheep or other livestock as it might cause them stress, but to find a farmer instead.

This is particularly the case at this time of the year when ewes are lambing. Ewes can sometimes abandon their lambs or get stressed during lambing if they are approached by people who don’t know what they are doing.

An FUW spokesperson said: “We advise the public and those visiting the countryside to alert the farmer if they believe a sheep to be in distress. Under no circumstance should the livestock be approached, as this may cause the animal more stress.

"In addition, if you see livestock in a field, even if there is a public footpath, please keep your dog on a lead. Sheep suffer greatly when they are chased, worried or attacked by dogs and ewes may be extra protective of their young at this time of year.”