Two dogs were shot dead on Wexford farms as they attacked sheep on Christmas Eve and a third was impounded.

John Colfer, Wexford County Council’s dog warden, said that there had been “less than a dozen” sheep attacks in the county in 2019.

These dogs are very common for this type of incident

However, IFA national sheep committee chair Pat Murray said that this was still too many and the impact to farmers can be financially and mentally devastating. Murray added that the two dogs shot in December were the Japanese Akita breed.

“These dogs are very common for this type of incident,” he claimed.

He added that other dog breeds, such as Huskies, Labradors, Alsatians and Doberman feature in attacks. However, Murray pointed out that all dogs can attack regardless of their breed.

“Small ones can chase sheep and stress them too which can cause in-lamb ewes to abort. All owners need to be aware of this,” he said.

“The fines for dog owners is not enough. More action needs to be taken.”

ICSA

Irish Cattle and Sheep Association (ICSA) sheep chair Seán McNamara has also urged dog owners to be mindful of where their pets are at all times.

He lost four ewes in an attack on his flock by two dogs on New Year’s Day.

The busy lambing season is coming up and I would plead with those living in rural communities to be extra vigilant of their dogs

This is not the first time the farmer lost some of his flock. In 2018, McNamara lost over 40 ewes in a six-week period.

“The busy lambing season is coming up and I would plead with those living in rural communities to be extra vigilant of their dogs whereabouts. It is imperative for all dog owners to be conscious of the devastation their pets can cause when left unsupervised, even for a short time,” McNamara said.

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