Devastating sheep attack in South Roscommon

Two neighbouring farmers lost more than 40 lambs in a devastating attack by dogs in South Roscommon over the weekend.

The incident is understood to have happened in the early hours of Sunday morning last, when gardai believe several dogs attacked sheep in neighbouring fields in the Kellybrook and Smithboro townlands, close to Knockcroghery. 

One farmer discovered 40 dead lambs in the field, while his neighbour found another four deceased. Several more are missing from the second field in Smithboro.

It's thought several marauding dogs may have been involved in the horrific attack - none of which were found.

Gardai are conducting house to house calls in the Knockcroghery area in a bid to raise awareness with householders about the need for dog control, particularly, during the busy lambing season at present.

Sgt Adrian Queeney from Roscommon Garda Station said the farmers have incurred big losses as a result of this attack running into several thousand euro, and he appealed to local dog owners to keep them under control and not to let them roam freely near farmland.