IFA erecting signs to warn of danger of sheep attacks by dogs
The risk of marauding dogs is worse than ever as the IFA have warned of serious problems in North Cork.
Edmond Roche, the North Cork Sheep Chairman, said that in recent times two people have suffered sheep attacks in his area.
Edmond and his committee members are now concerned as more and more people are leaving dogs run wild in the countryside and worrying not just sheep but all livestock, including horses.
They have been erecting specialist signs on land warning the public about dogs attacking animals.
“The IFA ‘No Dogs Allowed’ campaign seeks to address the issue of dog control in the context of a recent surge in sheep attacks nationwide. Action is required to combat this issue in the form of legislative amendment and greater public awareness and enforcement.
“Such attacks can have devastating consequences for the sheep involved, leading to abortions and death amongst the flock. A dog attack can also have a significant impact on the farmer, especially when there are inadequate punitive measures in place at present,” he said.
GREATER COMPLIANCE NECESSARY
Edmond cited one example where thousands of euro of damage was caused to sheep in an attack in Wicklow while the prosecution amounted to a €200 fine.
“That is not right. Stronger fines and penalties are required in order to deter such behaviour and ensure greater compliance by dog owners.
“The most recent report in relation to the Control of Dogs Act stated that only 217,261 dogs are licensed out of a total of 800,000 dogs in Ireland.
“This statistic has highlighted the need for greater accountability and traceability in the context of responsible dog ownership. Stronger enforcement by dog wardens is required in order to tackle this issue,” he added.
Edmond has called for agencies to co-ordinate their response and has called for a system where a dog can be more easily identified.
“A coherent national ownership database is needed so that all dogs who engage in this prohibited conduct can be accurately identified and their owners can be appropriately sanctioned.
“This campaign does not in any way aim to deter ownership of pets but rather seeks to encourage responsible ownership,” he said.
A law permits a farmer to shoot a dog which is attacking its sheep. Edmond said that any farmer who needs signs to be erected on their land should contact their local IFA representative.