Ahead of the peak lambing season, the Government has urged dog owners to keep their pets under control.

Some 2.5m lambs will hit the ground this spring and the Minister of State for Housing and Urban Renewal Damien English has said responsibility lies with dog owners to prevent attacks.

‘‘Dog owners must be mindful that with ownership comes responsibility. Owning a dog means that you have to feed, house and care for your pet, but you must also remember that you have to keep them under control at all times. Never let your dog out unsupervised, especially at night.’’

He was speaking at his father’s farm in Bohermeen, Co Meath, on Wednesday

The Minister pointed out that it is the responsibility of dog owners under the Control of Dogs Acts to ensure that they are in control of their dogs at all times. Attacks on sheep can result in economic losses to the farmer, for which the dog owner can be held liable under the Control of Dogs Act.

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