Gardaí are appealing to dog owners to ensure their dogs are kept under control after almost 50 reports of livestock being attacked since March this year.

They gave an example of an owner of a dog that attacked seven sheep on a farm in Leitrim had been ordered to pay damages and have the dog put down.

Garda picture of sheep that was attack. Picture is blurred due to the nature of content.

Gardaí also said an incident on farm in Meath had resulted in a farmer shooting two dogs after the dog had killed six sheep and injured a further two.

“If your dog goes and attacks animals on someone’s land, you could be held liable for the damages and face prosecution. The farmer is also within their right to shoot any animal that is worrying their livestock,” inspector James White said.

‘Vicious’ attacks

The IFA sheep chair Sean Dennehy said that heavier fines needed to be applied to “vicious” dog attacks on sheep.

He said that a single database was needed on microchipping and an adequate dog warden service was needed.

“We will be making fresh proposal to the new Government and expect to see some action in this area,” he said.

Dog attacks per county since March according to garda figures:

Sligo/Leitrim: 7

Galway: 6

Tipperary: 5

Roscommon/Longford: 4

Kildare: 4

Meath: 3

Cork west: 3