Robust Measures Needed to Curb Dog Attacks on Sheep

IFA National Sheep Chair Adrian Gallagher has strongly condemned the recent dog attacks on sheep in Cork and Clare, calling it a stark reminder of the ongoing crises of irresponsible dog ownership.

He said 20 sheep have been killed in the incidence in Cork with more to be put down due to the severity of their injuries while over 7 have been killed or injured in Clare.

The IFA National Sheep Chair described the both incidents as another act of failure from Government to put actions in place to deal with irresponsible dog ownership across the country.

It’s a national crisis that needs a solution immediately. He said the time for talking is over, dog attacks on livestock have reached unprecedented levels and farmers have had enough.

IFA have put forward strong measures that are needed to control dog attacks to both Ministers responsible for this area but we have not seen any progress on any of these proposals as the devastation continues.

He said current systems in place are failing to protect farmers and their livestock. The level of sanctions that are in place do not reflect the level trauma these dogs are causing.

The absence of a centralised database to identify those responsible for the dogs and the lack of enforcement on the ground are all adding to this escalating issue.

Based on latest published figures of implementation of the the Local authorities, it is clear the existing obligations of dog owners are not been enforced with only 311 prosecutions initiated and just 34% of the 1,858 on spot fines paid in 2023.

He said dog ownership laws currently fall between two different departments which has led to gaps in oversight, enforcement, and accountability undermining the efforts to address the issue.

Adrian Gallagher is urging the government to act swiftly to restructure responsibilities and introduce robust measures to address dog attacks on livestock.