The Wicklow Uplands Council has launched its annual responsible dog control awareness campaign targeting recreational users of the Wicklow and Dublin uplands.
Dog attacks are a major issue for sheep farmers, which can result in the loss and serious injury of their flock, creating a financial and emotional burden.
The increase in recreational users will increase the presence of dogs close to farms. The uplands council said uncontrolled dogs were a serious threat to the livelihoods of these farmers.
Loose dogs cause anxiety within flocks, causing them to be displaced and get stuck in rough ground and vegetation. If the flock is disturbed, young lambs can be separated from their mother, resulting in death through starvation.
One of the unseen impacts can be early abortion of lambs, while direct dog attacks result in severe injury and death.
Incidents
Farmers in Wicklow and Dublin experienced a number of serious incidents in 2019. This included where newly born lambs and heavily pregnant ewes were killed and maimed.
In several cases, dogs were found in the midst of the attacks and destroyed on site.
Wicklow Uplands Council co-ordinator Brian Dunne said: “As the lambing season is now upon us, it is the time that sheep flocks are at their most vulnerable to incidences of worrying and attacks by dogs.
“Dog owners are asked to be vigilant in keeping dogs under control and knowing where their dogs are at all times, especially at night when most attacks occur.”
Guidelines
The following guidelines have been issued for all dog owners visiting farmland areas:
Please observe and respect local signage and leave dogs at home if accessing land where livestock are present or close by. Some landowners forbid dogs entirely, whereas others, including the State, may request the use of leads.In situations outside of the home, dog owners must legally ensure that their dogs are under ‘effectual’ control at all times. Attacks on sheep can result in financial losses to the farmer, for which the dog owner can be held liable.The presence of dogs even with playful intent, can cause great anxiety within a flock of sheep. In lambing season, it is the main cause of stillbirths and miscarriages, which can occur two to three days after contact with dogs. Know where your dogs are at all times – attacks often occur at night.Report wandering dogs and suspicious sights to your local authorities.Make sure that your dog(s) are registered and microchipped and that a current licence is in place for each of them - this is a legal requirement for all dogs. Read more
Dog attacks: warning issued as lambing begins
Dog shot in Louth after separate sheep attacks
The Wicklow Uplands Council has launched its annual responsible dog control awareness campaign targeting recreational users of the Wicklow and Dublin uplands.
Dog attacks are a major issue for sheep farmers, which can result in the loss and serious injury of their flock, creating a financial and emotional burden.
The increase in recreational users will increase the presence of dogs close to farms. The uplands council said uncontrolled dogs were a serious threat to the livelihoods of these farmers.
Loose dogs cause anxiety within flocks, causing them to be displaced and get stuck in rough ground and vegetation. If the flock is disturbed, young lambs can be separated from their mother, resulting in death through starvation.
One of the unseen impacts can be early abortion of lambs, while direct dog attacks result in severe injury and death.
Incidents
Farmers in Wicklow and Dublin experienced a number of serious incidents in 2019. This included where newly born lambs and heavily pregnant ewes were killed and maimed.
In several cases, dogs were found in the midst of the attacks and destroyed on site.
Wicklow Uplands Council co-ordinator Brian Dunne said: “As the lambing season is now upon us, it is the time that sheep flocks are at their most vulnerable to incidences of worrying and attacks by dogs.
“Dog owners are asked to be vigilant in keeping dogs under control and knowing where their dogs are at all times, especially at night when most attacks occur.”
Guidelines
The following guidelines have been issued for all dog owners visiting farmland areas:
Please observe and respect local signage and leave dogs at home if accessing land where livestock are present or close by. Some landowners forbid dogs entirely, whereas others, including the State, may request the use of leads.In situations outside of the home, dog owners must legally ensure that their dogs are under ‘effectual’ control at all times. Attacks on sheep can result in financial losses to the farmer, for which the dog owner can be held liable.The presence of dogs even with playful intent, can cause great anxiety within a flock of sheep. In lambing season, it is the main cause of stillbirths and miscarriages, which can occur two to three days after contact with dogs. Know where your dogs are at all times – attacks often occur at night.Report wandering dogs and suspicious sights to your local authorities.Make sure that your dog(s) are registered and microchipped and that a current licence is in place for each of them - this is a legal requirement for all dogs. Read more
Dog attacks: warning issued as lambing begins
Dog shot in Louth after separate sheep attacks
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