Out of a group of 25 sheep, five animals were killed as a direct result of the attack, while a further three have been severely injured and are unlikely to survive. Two ewes are still missing.

The attack was not just confined to John’s flock as sheep on neighbouring land fell victim, with a further two dead sheep. Neighbours informed John that the attack was most likely carried out by two dogs from within the locality.

The suspected animals had been identified on the loose and prowling outside of the land where the sheep were savaged earlier in the evening. Unfortunately for John, there was no positive sighting of the animals inside the field with the sheep.

The sheep had all been mated eight weeks previously and settled in lamb. Of the surviving sheep, a number have already aborted. For John, the attack has been hard to take and the €30/head cost of disposing of the animals is adding insult to injury. John has called on all flock owners to be vigilant.