Owners of sheep flocks attacked by marauding dogs in Co Monaghan put their dead animals on display along a busy road yesterday.
They also hung one of the dogs shot dead during an attack on a flock on a roadside gate, accompanied by a notice asking for information that might lead to the owner of the dead Labrador.
It was the latest development following a series of attacks by wandering dogs on sheep flocks in the region, which caused losses of several thousand euros for farmers in Tossey near Castleblayney.
Early yesterday, farmers in an all-night watch on herds discovered two dogs carrying out an attack on a flock of 200 sheep belonging to Eugene Kerr of Brackley, Lough Egish. They shot one of the dogs and the other escaped. "These attacks on my flock have been regular occurrences," Mr Kerr said. "I have now lost about 50 sheep."
He said that placing the dead dog on the gate and presenting the horrific sight of the sheep killed on the roadside might stir the conscience of dog-owners who allowed their animals to wander at night.
Neighbouring farmer Thomas Wilson of Tossey, Loughmourne, said: "The number of stray dogs which roam the countryside in this area is totally unacceptable . . . Drastic action has to be taken."
Monaghan County Council dog warden Oliver McFarland, who visited the scene, said: "Something positive has to be done to prevent this ongoing destruction of sheep by stray dogs. The responsibility lies with dog-owners who won't keep their dogs under control."
He said figures compiled in Co Monaghan indicated that a third of the dogs in the county were unlicensed.
Last night, Monaghan County Council said that, in conjunction with the Garda, it intended to launch a campaign to persuade dog-owners to keep them under strict control, especially at night.