A German Shepherd has been surrendered to Louth County Council after two separate attacks on sheep, the Irish Farmers Journal understands.

The incidents occurred on 19 December and resulted in four sheep being killed on one farm.

It is understood that sheep were also killed on the second farm, but the exact number is unclear.

The incidents occurred in the Benagh and Riverstown areas where several similar attacks have happened in the past 12 months.

“We would appeal to dog owners in this area and in Co Louth not to underestimate the harm that their dog can do to a flock in a short space of time,” said local IFA representative Matthew McGreehan.

“Dog owners should be aware that farmers are in their rights to shoot a dog which is attacking their sheep or is coming from an attack or if they believe the dog is about to attack,” he added.