Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD, has today, highlighted the responsibilities of dog owners and the vulnerability of sheep to dog attacks, particularly during lambing season.
Minister Humphreys said dog attacks cause real and serious injury to sheep and can have a negative impact, both financially and emotionally, on the farmers involved and their families.
While the vast majority of dog owners act responsibility, the issue of animals being attacked has been raised in many parts of the country.
Some 253 incidences of ‘Livestock Worrying’ were reported to local authorities in 2019.
Speaking to mark the beginning of lambing season, Minister Humphreys pointed out that under the Control of Dogs Acts, it is the responsibility of dog owners to ensure that they are in control of their dogs at all times.