Dog owners urged to be responsible as lambs put out to fields

WITH spring in the air and new-born lambs being released into the fields, dog owners are being urged to be responsible and keep their animals on a lead while walking in the countryside.

Wicklow Uplands Council is again encouraging all dog owners to be respectful and responsible, to know where their dog is at all times and to always keep them on a leash when walking.

‘ There is nothing worse than the sight of a distraught ewe looking over the remains of her dead mauled lamb,’ said Charlotte Rosemond, Acting Communications Officer for Wicklow Uplands Council. ‘It is truly heart-breaking and a scene no dog owner would want to encounter.’

‘ There is a very good relationship between landowners and recreational users in our uplands. Most dog owners are responsible people who will always respect nature and livestock.’

For anyone new to rambling in the great outdoors, Ms Rosemond’s advice is clear.

‘It’s simple – keep your dog on a lead when out walking, adhere to signage advising where dog are not welcomed and know where your dog is at all times,’ she said.

The Leave No Trace Ireland guide and the Wicklow Cheviot Sheep Owners’ booklet are useful resources for dog owners and can be downloaded from www.wicklowuplands.ie

If anyone encounters an incident of livestock worrying, they should report it immediately to the local garda station or contact Wicklow County Council on (0404) 20236 or env@wicklowcoco.ie.

Stray dogs should be reported to ISPCA Dog Warden Service by calling (0404) 44873.