Gardaí receive almost 50 reports of dog attacks on livestock in last four months

They're appealing to dog owners to keep them under control.

Image via Pixabay

Gardaí have received almost 50 reports of livestock being attacked by dogs in the past four months.

They’re now appealing to dog owners to make sure they are kept under control.

In one incident in Leitrim, a dog attacked seven sheep on a farm. The owner was identified and had to pay damages to the farmer and the dog then had to be put down.

Meanwhile during another incident in Co. Meath, a farmer shot two dogs after they killed six sheep and injured two more.

Gardaí have now issued an appeal for owners to control their pets. Inspector James White says whilst they may think their dog is friendly and placid at home, they can cause horrific injuries to other animals.

The President of the Irish Farmers Association Tim Cullinan says it’s the worst thing that can happen to a farmer:

"There's nothing more devastating for a farmer [than] to go out and see the devastation caused by dogs, particularly in attacking sheep."

"You know, this time of year all the sheep are out on the lands and spring lambs are out on the ewes out there as well."

Gardai say if your dog attacks animals on someone’s land, you could be held liable for the damages and face prosecution, and the farmer is also within their right to shoot any animal that is worrying their livestock.