Dog owners have been warned of their responsibilities to keep pets under control and reminded of the vulnerability of sheep to dog attacks during lambing season.

Minister for Rural and Community Development Heather Humphreys said dog attacks cause “real and serious injury” to sheep.

She also highlighted the negative impact, both financially and emotionally, on the farmers involved and their families.

It comes as sheep farmers in Kerry pleaded with owners to act responsibility, with repeated dog attacks causing higher barren rates in ewes grazing upland areas.

Some 253 incidences of livestock worrying were reported to local authorities in 2019.

Lambing

Minister Humphreys pointed out that under the Control of Dogs Acts, it is the responsibility of dog owners to ensure that they are in control of their dogs at all times.

“Some 2.5m lambs will be born on farms all over Ireland this springtime. Sheep flocks are very vulnerable to dog attacks at this critical time and especially during the night.

“The presence of dogs, even on a lead, can alarm sheep prior to lambing and have a detrimental effect on both the sheep and their lambs.

“I know that the vast majority of dog owners behave responsibly. However, this is a matter of considerable concern for farmers, particularly those who live in rural parts of the country.

“Dog Wardens and An Garda Síochána are doing what they can. But they cannot be in every part of the country at all times. The solution rests primarily with dog owners.”

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