A farmer in Camross, Coolrain, Co Laois, has said a total of 10 ewes and 10 lambs have died since a dog attack which took place on his farm in late December.

“Eight ewes were killed on the day and a further two died as a result of their injuries a couple of weeks later.

“My remaining flock of 130 in-lamb ewes were left worried following the attack,” Arion Delaney told the Irish Farmers Journal.

“As a result of the worrying, I’ve had the most difficult lambing season of my career.

“I had to handle a huge number of ewes with lambs presenting with legs down and heads back. I estimate a total of 10 lambs were lost due to worrying.”

Immeasurable damage

Delaney has called on dog owners to ensure their pet is kept under control at all times, especially in the lead-up to lambing.

“The attack has left me very anxious. I check the ewes twice daily now and every time I approach the field, I cautiously peep in with one eye open in case another attack has taken place. I haven’t been able to let my guard down.

“Dog owners must realise that their pet is capable of doing untold damage to a flock of sheep.

“The devastation these attacks cause is immeasurable. The pinch is really felt when you have 10 less lambs to sell on the day.”

Dog ban

Meanwhile, the IFA has launched a campaign which will see all dog walkers denied access to farmland.

IFA national sheep chair Sean Dennehy said farmers whose livestock are under threat from attacks have no choice but to refuse walkers with dogs access to their land.

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