Meaningful Government Action Necessary to Curb Dog Attacks on Livestock

IFA National Sheep Chair Adrian Gallagher has called for more meaningful action from Government as dog attacks on livestock continue.

He said farmers are facing an uphill battle as dog attacks on livestock escalate following further attacks in Monaghan and Louth in recent days.

The frequency and severity of dog attacks on livestock has reached unprecedented levels, causing immense distress and financial losses for the effected farmers.

These attacks are escalating and are compounded by the inability of dog wardens and shelters to accommodate the increasing number of stray, unwanted and abandoned dogs across the country.

Adrian Gallagher has called on both Minister’s with responsibility in this area to ensure there is adequate facilities in place for these dogs and those belonging to owners who refuse to accept their responsibilities as dog owners.  

Recognising the importance of the national media campaign informing owners of their responsibilities, the IFA National Sheep Chair said the level of sanctions that are been applied do not reflect the savagery and trauma these uncontrolled dogs are causing. 

“The absence of a centralised database to identify ownership and those responsible for the dogs, and the lack of enforcement of licensing and microchipping, are all contributing to this persistent and escalating problem,” he said

Adrian Gallagher said local authorities must immediately prioritise the enforcement of existing regulations to curb these attacks and provide the facilities to take these dogs into care.