Farmers are urging dog owners to control their pets as new figures show as many as 4,000 sheep die in attacks each year.
Figures compiled by the Irish Farmers Association reveal that between 3,000 and 4,000 sheep are killed or injured by dogs every year in Ireland during 300 to 400 attacks on flocks.
Recent attacks on sheep occured in Offaly, Wexford, Wicklow and Galway. IFA national sheep chairman John Lynskey warned dog owners to keep dogs under control.
He said owners can be held responsible for losses involved in dog attacks, with serious financial and legal consequences.
Ireland’s 34,000 sheep farmers are currently preparing to lamb down 2.4 million ewes. Pregnant ewes on the point of lambing at this time of year are particularly vulnerable to dog attacks.
Mr Lynskey advised dog owners that farmers have a right to protect their flock. He outlined a number of instances where a dog can be shot in a legally defensible way if it is a threat to a flock.
“Unfortunately, I am taking calls on a frequent basis from sheep farmers around the country who have suffered attacks. There are far too many dog owners not taking the responsibility that goes with owning a pet. Dog owners have an obligation to have their dog under control at all times,” Mr Lynskey said.
The IFA has launched a protocol to help farmers who encounter a dog attack on their sheep flock. The protocol involves an easy-to- follow, ten-point plan of action covering what a farmer should do following a dog attack or sheep kill.
Under the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013 all dog owners, including farmers, need to microchip and register all dogs by March 31st.