Under the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013, introduced by Minister for Agriculture Simon Coveney, microchipping will become mandatory for all dogs from 1 April. Dog owners must have their pets microchipped and registered before Thursday’s deadline to avoid unnecessary fines.

IFA sheep chair John Lynskey reminded dog owners that they have an obligation to keep their pets under control at all times and can be held responsible for losses involved in dog attacks, with serious financial and legal consequences.

“Dogs can inflict horrendous damage on sheep flocks. The country’s 34,000 sheep farmers are currently lambing down 2.4m ewes, and pregnant ewes on the point of lambing at this time of year are particularly vulnerable to dog attacks,” he said.

Costs

According to an IFA survey conducted last year, the average cost of a getting a dog microchipped at the vet is €25, though the cost ranged from €12 to €30 in the practices surveyed. Some vets include a health check in the cost of the microchipping service and others may offer a discount for a number of dogs.

Between 3,000 and 4,000 sheep are injured or killed every year by dogs, according to the IFA.

“Unfortunately, I am taking calls on a frequent basis from sheep farmers around the country who have suffered attacks. There are far too many dog owners not taking the responsibility that goes with owning a pet. Dog owners have an obligation to have their dog under control at all times.”

Worrying

ICSA also urged dog owners to respect the new law.

“Recently we have seen some very harrowing images of the results of sheep worrying. This is hugely distressing for any farmer to see, not to mention the monetary losses incurred.

“Even if the sheep are not directly attacked and have no visible injuries they can die from the shock alone. There is also the possibility that some ewes will abort, which only adds to the stress and the overall cost to the farmer,” ICSA sheep chair John Brooks said.

The dog microchipping programme has been rolled out on a phased basis, commencing with pups last year. Minister Coveney said microchipping brings a range of benefits, including the protection of the welfare of dogs and speedy identification of strays and their owners.

“It will also act as a deterrent for those who abandon dogs and assist in identifying marauding dogs and those that pose a threat to livestock or people,” he said.