IFA call for action following “escalating” number of dog attacks on sheep in Sligo
FOLLOWING a number of dog attacks on sheep in Sligo, one in particular in north Sligo, and other counties last week, the IFA has been highlighting the urgent need for intervention to address the escalating issue of dog attacks on livestock.
The attacks that occurred in Sligo, Roscommon and Tipperary last week resulted in significant losses for the affected farmers involved.
National Sheep Chair Adrian Gallagher said these are not isolated incidents but part of a “concerning trend that continues to devastate sheep farmers nationwide”. IFA has continuously called for a centralised database for all dogs correlating licensing and microchipping to identify the owner of the dog and to increase the number of dog wardens on the ground, but this hasn’t happened.
He said the lack of robust enforcement of existing laws continues to allow dogs to run riot on farms across the country.
He said the Government and various state agencies with responsibilities in this area have failed to put appropriate sanctions in place to deal with irresponsible dog ownership and this is “unacceptable”.
Mr Gallagher said farmers are losing patience with the authority’s inactive response on the issue and said there is an urgent need to strengthen legislation by implementing the necessary controls to tackle the issue of irresponsible dog ownership immediately.
He said it’s time the authorities “step up and recognise the gravity of the situation and take immediate and decisive action to address the issue”.
“Dog owners are being reminded that they should take heed that they are fully liable for any damages caused to sheep by their dogs,” he said.
He stressed that dogs are not allowed in or near farmland and stressed the need for responsible conduct among dog owners to ensure the safety of’ livestock.
Responding to the attacks the Department of Rural and Community Development launched an awareness campaign on Monday last to combat the ever-increasing number of attacks on people and livestock by dogs.
The “It’s Not Your Dogs fault; It’s Yours” campaign puts the focus on the responsibility of dog owners. The campaign was welcomed by the IFA.
The campaign presses home the message that while dogs can be wonderful companions, bringing happiness to people’s lives, being a dog owner is a privilege, but it comes with a lot of responsibilities.
It points out that sometimes even the best-behaved dogs can attack or bite. “Dog owners are responsible for keeping their dogs under control. If your dog injures people or animals, or damages property, you are legally responsible,” the campaign stresses.
Mr Gallagher says this campaign has long been sought after: “This is a small step in the right direction following a vigorous campaign by the IFA. I’m glad Minister Heather Humphries has taken our concerns on board and has come up with this campaign which will run over the next number of weeks.
“This campaign aims to make dog owners aware of their responsibilities,” he said.