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The IFA has called on Minister for Agriculture Michael Creed to introduce an ad campaign to highlight the danger posed by dogs to livestock, particularly sheep.
A 1984 ad campaign run by the Department of Agriculture, featured on RTÉ and the IFA believes a similar campaign would help to prevent the 300 attacks on sheep it estimates happen every year.
As lambing is about to commence, IFA sheep chair Sean Dennehy has strongly advised dog owners to keep their pets under control.
Sheep killed
“In recent weeks, we have reports of attacks from all over the country. In County Louth alone, we have reports of 42 sheep killed in the last two months,” Dennehy said.
“Unfortunately, I am taking calls on a frequent basis from sheep farmers around the country who have suffered attacks.
“There are far too many dog owners not taking the responsibility that goes with owning a pet.”
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