Dog owners urged to be on alert as lambing season gets under way

Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys and Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Charlie McConalogue have reminded dog owners of their responsibilities and the vulnerability of sheep to dog attacks, as lambing season approaches.

The two ministers said the issue is one of grave concern to the farming community and that attacks on sheep are happening far too often in the rural countryside.

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.

Ministers Humphreys and McConalogue visited a sheep farm in South West Dublin where they announced the start of an awareness campaign that will run over lambing season.

Minister Humphreys said: “Attacks on sheep can have a devastating impact on farmers, their businesses and their families.”

“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.”

‘‘Some 2.5 million lambs will be born on farms all over Ireland this springtime. Sheep flocks are very vulnerable to dog attacks at this critical time, and especially during the night.”

“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, particularly in rural areas, to please keep your dogs under control and be vigilant at all times.”

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.”

The Minister added that responsible pet ownership is a priority for his Department and he issued a reminder that all dogs must be microchipped under the law.

Meanwhile, IFA Sheep Chairman Kevin Comiskey said the launch of the campaign is an important first step and must now be accompanied by better enforcement and more appropriate sanctions.

Kevin Comiskey said IFA launched the ‘No Dogs Allowed’ campaign last year and this campaign will continue until it sees the strengthened legislation come into force.

IFA has clearly and consistently set out the needs in this area, which include

1. A single national database for all dogs in the country that identifies the person responsible for the dog.

2. More appropriate sanctions for those found in non-compliance of the microchipping obligations of dog owners.

3. More appropriate sanctions for those who fail to have their dog under their control at all times and for those whose dogs are identified worrying/attacking livestock.

4. Additional resources to enforce and ensure compliance with the obligations of dog owners.

Kevin Comiskey said the Ministers must deliver the strengthened legislation as a matter of urgency and have it in effect before year end.

He said there should be no dogs allowed in or near farmland and he urged all dog owners to behave in a responsible way and respect farmers demands.