Press release
Dog Control and the Lambing Season
From Department of Rural and Community Development
Published on
Last updated on
From Department of Rural and Community Development
Published on
Last updated on
To coincide with the lambing season, Mr. Seán Canney, T.D., Minister of State, with responsibility for Dog Control at the Department of Rural and Community Development, highlights the responsibility of dog owners and the vulnerability of sheep to dog attacks.
Any dog, large or small, may become involved in attacking sheep. Make sure your dog doesn't get the chance.
Mr. Seán Canney, T.D., Item was unpublished or removed
Minister Canney said:
‘‘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.’’
Dog attacks cause real and serious injury to sheep and have a very negative impact, both financially and emotionally, on the farmers involved and their families. Even quiet, docile dogs can turn into killers, especially if they join other dogs.
Minister Canney added:
‘‘We are all aware of the terrible dog attacks on sheep over the last number of years. This is not acceptable. Dog Wardens and the Garda Síochána are doing what they can, but they cannot be in every part of the country at all times. The solution rests with dog owners. Whether you live in or near the countryside or visit it for recreational purposes, I ask that you be on guard the whole time. Do not give your dog the opportunity to attack sheep and cause distress and pain to both sheep flocks and their owners.’’
The Minister pointed out that it is the responsibility of dog owners under the Control of Dogs Act , 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.
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, especially during the night. In addition, the presence of dogs even on a lead, can alarm sheep prior to lambing and have a detrimental effect on them and their lambs. Make sure that your dog is not responsible for injury to sheep or for the stress and financial loss to sheep owners and their families.
Some sheep never recover fully from a dog attack and can suffer ongoing health problems, including reproduction problems and nervousness. While it is recognised that the vast majority are responsible dog owners, a momentary lapse in concentration can have disastrous consequences. Dog owners are requested to be particularly vigilant at this time of year and care should be taken to ensure all dogs are secure at night time.