Dog attacks on livestock increasing in Cavan Monaghan

Farmers facing 'uphill battle' to deal with the matter.

More meaningful action from the Government is required as dog attacks on livestock continue. That’s according to IFA’s National Sheep chair Adrian Gallagher who has highlighted this week that farmers are facing “an uphill battle” because of the escalating situation.

He pointed to how matters have been exacerbated in recent days with further attacks in both Monaghan and Louth.“The frequency and severity of dog attacks on livestock has reached unprecedented levels, causing immense distress and financial losses for the affected farmer,” Mr Gallagher continued.

“These attacks are escalating and are compounded by the inability of dog wardens and shelters to accommodate the increasing number of stray, unwanted and abandoned dogs across the country. The level of sanctions that have been applied do not reflect the savagery and trauma these uncontrolled dogs are causing.”

Last month the Celt spoke to a farmer near Kingscourt who warned dog owners to be wary of the threat their pets pose to sheep after her flock suffered a savage attack. The woman, who spoke on condition of anonymity, lost 14 sheep to the attack in late March.