This article is from page 36 of the 2012-02-07 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 36 JPG
FOLLOWING a number of dog attacks on sheep in Clare over the last few weeks, dog owners in the county are being urged to ensure that their animals are kept under control at all times, especially during the busy lambing season.
One dog, which had been causing trouble for sheep, was killed by a landowner in the Crusheen area last week and farmers all over the county are asked to be vigilant and look out for their sheep.
Farmers are allowed to shoot dogs who are caught attacking sheep or dogs who come onto property where sheep have recently been attacked.
The IFA National Sheep Chairman, James Murphy, last week launched their ‘Do You Know Where Your Dog Is?’ campaign to highlight the damage being done by stray dogs.
“The IFA campaign is aimed at dog owners and is reminding them of their responsibilities to ensure they are in control of their pets at all times,” he said.
“Up to 2.5 million lambs will be born on 30,000 sheep farms across the country over the next three months. Sheep flocks are very vulnerable to dog attacks at this critical time, especially during the night.”
Dog attacks on a sheep flock are extremely stressful and damaging events for farmers and can inflict savage injuries and often fatalities on farms.
“Aside from the economic losses, for which dog owners can be held liable, the welfare implications for the flock can be very severe and longlasting.
“Sheep never recover fully from a dog attack and can suffer ongoing difficulties, including reproduction problems and increased nervousness affecting their general health,” continued James.
“If a dog worries livestock, the owner or any other person in charge of the dog shall be guilty of an offense unless it is established that at the time the dog worried the livestock for the purpose of removing trespassing livestock and that having regard to all the circumstances the action was reasonable and necessary.”