DEAR SIR:

With the lambing season in full swing, dog owners are reminded to keep their dogs on leads at all times when near farm animals, after a flock of sheep in Glenasmole which lies in south Dublin by the Dublin-Wicklow mountains was recently injured in a savage attack that saw clumps of their wool and skin violently ripped apart.

Glenasmole farmer Donie Anderson, named Tallaght Person of the Year in 2013, had a flock size of six sheep traumatised when marauding dogs chased his flock down the hills before entrapping them up against a gate, tearing off their wool and skin. Alongside the dangers posed to sheep and lambs by uncontrolled dogs, other wildlife is being disturbed. Ground nesting birds such as pheasants, grouse and rabbits are easily disturbed by roaming dogs in a tearing rage. The Department of Agriculture should review legislation concerning microchipping of dogs as sheep attacks continue unabated.