Amanda Owen, known as the Yorkshire Shepherdess and star of Our Farm Next Door, has spoken out following criticism aimed at her 21-year-old son, Reuben Owen, during the latest episode of their popular farming show.
In the scene that sparked controversy, Reuben was seen helping a ewe during lambing season by lying on the sheep and holding its horns, actions that led some viewers to accuse him of mistreating the animal. Social media quickly filled with responses from concerned viewers. One user wrote, “Why are you treating the ewe like that? Absolutely disgusting and I’m disappointed as I thought you were better than that.” Another remarked, “I didn’t like how you held the sheep! Absolutely disturbing! Animals are treated with respect and not like trash!”
Amanda Owen took to Instagram to confront the backlash directly. She expressed frustration at the ongoing accusations and explained the demanding nature of lambing season. “Here we go! More disgusting and disturbing behaviour just for ewe,” she wrote. “Obviously, we haven’t learnt anything, even after being slammed for the ill treatment of these woolly commodities. Time to finally explain myself.”
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She detailed the complexities of lambing, emphasizing that assisting with births is only part of the process. “Post-natal care is of utmost importance,” Amanda explained, “and sometimes feeding problems require us to catch and tend to the sheep.” She assured fans that despite the challenges, her family handles their livestock with compassion and as gently as possible. “They are not particularly good patients but we treat them with care, compassion and as infrequently as possible.”
Amanda went on to reflect on the realities of free-range sheep farming. “After a lifetime of shepherding, I have never had a sheep willingly come over and request help with labour, breastfeeding, or any other minor ailment,” she said. “Maybe it would be easier if they were all kept in an industrial shed, not free to roam meadows and pastures. But we all know that being outside, free to wander and live naturally, is far better for them.”
She also highlighted the physical risks involved, adding, “Incidentally, the person most likely to be injured in the whole process of catching and restraining a sheep is me or even one of the sheepdogs.”
The show Our Farm Next Door airs on More4 on Tuesdays, with Reuben Owen: Life in the Dales also on Channel 5, airing the same day.