FOCUS ON THE WICKLOW COUNTRYSIDE Uplands Council urging dog owners to be extra careful
THE Wicklow Uplands Council has launched its annual responsible dog control awareness campaign.
Responsible dog control continues to be a major issue for all sheep farmers, resulting in the loss and serious injury of their flock and the financial and emotional burden that it creates.
As recreational use of the Wicklow uplands increases, the presence of dogs close to farmland areas and the hills used for sheep farming, requires a greater awareness of responsible dog control.
Uncontrolled dogs are a serious threat to sheep. Dogs loose on the hills cause anxiety within a flock, often causing them to be displaced and getting stuck in rough ground and vegetation. An impact often unseen by recreational users of the uplands is the early abortion of lambs and, in the worst incidences, dogs attacking sheep causing severe injury or death.
When a flock is disturbed, lambs can die from hunger if they become separated from their mother. This is not just a problem for the landowner in terms of their livelihood but it is also a serious animal welfare issue.
The issue of responsible dog ownership is not limited to walkers dogs, as damage can also be caused by local dogs that stray from neighbouring properties.
The Co Wicklow farming community experienced a number of serious incidents of multiple sheep losses in 2019. These included serious incidents where newly born lambs and heavily pregnant ewes were killed and maimed. In several cases, dogs found in the midst of the attacks were destroyed onsite.
Brian Dunne, Coordinator of Wicklow Uplands Council, has urged people to be particularly aware of their pet’s whereabouts at this time of the year.
‘As the lambing season is now upon us, it is the time that sheep flocks are at their most vulnerable to incidences of worrying and attacks by dogs. Dog owners are asked to be vigilant in keeping dogs under control and knowing where their dogs are at all times, especially at night when most attacks occur,’ he said.
‘It is also an important breeding season for ground-nesting birds and wildlife which along with sheep, can become startled by the presence of dogs. By launching this awareness campaign, the council is highlighting the role that all dog owners must play in tackling this serious issue.’
Wicklow Uplands Council has issued the a number of guidelines for dog owners living in or visiting farmland areas to ensure that they continue to play a crucial role in making them a safer place for all to enjoy.
Observe and respect local signage and leave dogs at home if accessing land where livestock is present or close by. Some landowners forbid dogs entirely, whereas others, including the state, may request the use of leads.
In situations outside of the home, dog owners must legally ensure that their dogs are under ‘effectual’ control at all times. Attacks on sheep can result in financial losses to the farmer, for which the dog owner can be held liable.
The presence of dogs, even with playful intent, can cause great anxiety within a flock of sheep. During the winter months this can prevent ewes from coming into season. In lambing season, it is the main cause of stillbirths and miscarriages, which can occur 2-3 days after contact with dogs.
Respect and be aware of wildlife as the presence of dogs can disturb ground-nesting birds and other animals during the breeding season.
Know where your dogs are at all times – attacks often occur at night, so this is also true at the homeplace.
Report wandering dogs and suspicious sights to your local authorities.
Make sure that your dog(s) are registered and microchipped and that a current licence is in place for each of them – this is now a legal requirement for all dogs.
Dog fouling is the responsibility of the owner. Collect and dispose of all faeces in an appropriate manner – this includes plastic bags used in the process. Failure to clean up is a public health concern and is an offence under section 22 of the Litter Pollution Acts.
Anyone who witnesses an incident of sheep worrying or damage to livestock in Wicklow should report it immediately to Wicklow County Council on 0404 20236 or env@wicklowcoco.ie
It is important that all incidents be report as soon as possible.