It is unnecessary to prevent hunting dogs from accessing farmland as part of the ongoing dog walker ban from the IFA, National Association of Regional Game Councils (NARGC) national chair Dan Curley told the Irish Farmers Journal.
Under the IFA ‘No Dogs Allowed’ campaign, dog walkers will no longer have access to farmland.
The ban comes in response to a spate of dog attacks across the country in recent days.
“Most hunting dogs wouldn’t bother sheep, and if they ever once looked in the direction of a ewe or lamb they wouldn’t be allowed back out on the trail again,” Curley said.
“Our members are in constant communication with farmers and have good relations when it comes to bringing dogs on their land.
“The dogs are only interested in catching foxes. The foxes are more of a risk to sheep than our dogs.”
Scourge on farmers
The NARGC has said it recognises the difficulties sheep farmers are currently facing and acknowledges the need for a ban on dog walkers.
“I know it’s a very bad time for farmers, these attacks are a scourge.
“I imagine stray dogs are the main source of the attacks. They roam around in packs at night and cause untold damage,” Curley continued.
“Careless dog owners are adding to the problem not keeping their pet under control.
“The dogs we bring on hunts are extremely valuable, so there’s no way we’d let them out of our sight, especially with the price of pups at the minute.”
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Wicklow dog rescue an example of walkers putting livestock at risk - IFA
It is unnecessary to prevent hunting dogs from accessing farmland as part of the ongoing dog walker ban from the IFA, National Association of Regional Game Councils (NARGC) national chair Dan Curley told the Irish Farmers Journal.
Under the IFA ‘No Dogs Allowed’ campaign, dog walkers will no longer have access to farmland.
The ban comes in response to a spate of dog attacks across the country in recent days.
“Most hunting dogs wouldn’t bother sheep, and if they ever once looked in the direction of a ewe or lamb they wouldn’t be allowed back out on the trail again,” Curley said.
“Our members are in constant communication with farmers and have good relations when it comes to bringing dogs on their land.
“The dogs are only interested in catching foxes. The foxes are more of a risk to sheep than our dogs.”
Scourge on farmers
The NARGC has said it recognises the difficulties sheep farmers are currently facing and acknowledges the need for a ban on dog walkers.
“I know it’s a very bad time for farmers, these attacks are a scourge.
“I imagine stray dogs are the main source of the attacks. They roam around in packs at night and cause untold damage,” Curley continued.
“Careless dog owners are adding to the problem not keeping their pet under control.
“The dogs we bring on hunts are extremely valuable, so there’s no way we’d let them out of our sight, especially with the price of pups at the minute.”
Read more
Dog walkers to be refused access to farmland under nationwide ban
Sheep worrying: ‘dog owner nearly drove over the top of me during getaway’
Wicklow dog rescue an example of walkers putting livestock at risk - IFA
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