Concerns raised about the conduct of countryside walkers on Cumbrae during coronavirus lockdown.

Horse owners are worried about walkers and cyclists stopping to feed their animals while farmers have raised the issue of people leaving gates open allowing animals to escape.

Tiffany Colvin, who lives on the island, says she found that passers-by had been leaving grass cuttings in her fields - which can kill a horse if not quickly treated by a vet.

She said: “While I am happy for people to visit and say hello to my horse, there is no need to feed him.

“He is very friendly. If he does not come over to the fence on his own, then he wants to be left alone, please respect that and don't bribe him over.

“I worry about him becoming ill from eating 'treats' from people passing.

“With the lockdown regulations, owners can struggle to get a vet out on time, especially in Millport with the restricted ferry sailings.”

Tiffany, pictured, says that although feeding horses may seem like a normal thing to do, it can lead to health problems for the animals.

She added: “It can cause them to become overweight and can lead to behavioural problems such as encouraging them to bite.

"Because cut grass is much smaller than grass taken up by horses themselves, a horse eating cut grass wouldn't chew it and can gorge themselves quickly on it.

“Horses do not have what we would call a 'gag reflex' meaning if they choke on a piece of food stuck in their throat, they cannot bring it back up and they will suffocate.

“Horse owners spend a fortune and careful plan their animal's diet and needs, they do not need anything else other than what we have planned for them.”

Concerns have also been raised about walkers leaving open farm gates, especially those that lead onto country roads.

Rena McIntyre, of Figgitoch Farm, said: “If cattle get onto the road they can be involved in a traffic incident causing damage to vehicles, persons or loss of life.

“Cattle separated from their group can become very distressed causing health issues and can be injured trying to return to their group through fences around the field.

“From the farmers point of view this causes additional work rectifying the bad behaviour of others. It creates a breakdown of trust and leads to a lack of confidence the farmer has in the public.”

Rena is also keen to highlight the problems that dogs can cause in fields, especially if they are let off the leash.

She said: “Cows that are rearing a new calf are very protective if a dog approaches a calf, the mother may sense danger and do anything to protect it.

“Many sheep have miscarried their lamb due to a random dog in the field causing distress to the sheep close to birthing time.”

However, Rena says the Cumbrae community in general are respectful of the countryside and look out for animals and farms.

She said: “On Cumbrae we often get calls from locals and regular holidaymakers asking or highlighting something they have seen on their walk over and around the island.

“It is reassuring to know that many locals are always watching out for you and your stock, we are very grateful to them and appreciate all they do.”