'Up to 4,000 sheep are killed or seriously injured in dog attacks every year'

WORRYING New awareness campaign launched to urge responsible dog ownership

Dog owners have been urged to keep their dogs responsibly in the run up to lambing season approaches.

Minister Heather Humphreys and Minister for Agriculture Charlie McConalogue said the issue is one of grave concern to the farming community and that attacks on sheep are happening far too often.

The latest figures compiled by local authorities show that there were 240 incidents of ‘Livestock Worrying’ in 2020 – with a similar number expected when the 2021 returns are completed.

Dog attacks cause serious injury or even death to sheep and can cause grave distress and financial loss for farm families.

Speaking at the launch of an awareness campaign that will run over lambing season, Minister Humphreys said:

"I’m a dog owner myself and I know the vast majority of dog owners are extremely responsible.

“But the latest figures show that in 2020, there were a concerning 240 incidents of ‘Livestock Worrying’ reported to local authorities.”

“As the lambing season approaches, we are already hearing more and more reports of such incidents in Rural Ireland.

“It’s horrific for any farmer to witness the awful devastation, pain and anguish that dogs can cause to sheep.

“So I’m appealing to dog owners today, particularly in rural areas, to please keep your dogs under control and be vigilant at all times.”

Decimate

Minister McConalogue added: “Sheep worrying causes immense and unnecessary stress for farmers, and serious animal welfare issues for sheep and new-born lambs. Uncontrolled pets can decimate a flock within minutes, with reports suggesting that up to 4,000 sheep are killed or seriously injured in dog attacks every year.

‘‘Dog owners must take responsibility for their pets, which must be under control at all times – remember, even the gentlest family pet can kill or maim sheep and lambs. Never let your dog out unsupervised, especially at night.”