Warning issued to dog owners

Dog owners are being warned to act responsibly and keep their dogs under control around sheep and other livestock.

The Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals(ISPCA) is reminding dog owners that while walking dogs is healthy and enjoyable, they need to act responsibly and keep their dogs on a lead and under control at all times around livestock.

ISPCA Chief Executive Officer Dr Andrew Kelly said:  “We do not want to see any lambs or ewes distressed, injured or killed by dogs this Spring. Nor do we want to see any dogs destroyed as a result. Losses to sheep farmers can be significant and distressing. We would like to remind all dog owners to keep their dogs under control around sheep and other livestock, particularly at this time of year when lambs are being born and are extremely vulnerable”.

Under the Control of Dogs Act, dog owners can be held liable for financial damage caused to farmers and these costs can be significant. Even the most docile of dogs can join a pack in a sheep attack and dog owners need to ensure that their dogs are secured both day and night.

The ISPCA is reminding dog owners to be responsible and to ensure that their dogs are microchipped, vaccinated, neutered and controlled which are key components of responsible dog ownership.