The Ulster Farmers’ Union (UFU) and the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) are calling on all dog owners to be careful in the countryside following an increased number of dog attacks on livestock.The call follows a meeting between the UFU and DAERA which highlighted the issue of dogs worrying livestock. Amid reports of increasing incidents, farmers are concerned for the safety of their stock.
The Ulster Farmers’ Union (UFU) and the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) are calling on all dog owners to be careful in the countryside following an increased number of dog attacks on livestock.
The call follows a meeting between the UFU and DAERA which highlighted the issue of dogs worrying livestock. Amid reports of increasing incidents, farmers are concerned for the safety of their stock.
A spokesperson for the DAERA said that the department understands the "real concerns of farmers in regard to dog worrying” and believes that the solution “lies with the dog owners”. This is why the Department is appealing for anyone who owns a dog to take “particular care in rural areas”.
The spokesperson continued by saying that the good weather brings more people out to the countryside and with them come their dogs, leading to “harmful and expensive consequences for farmers”.
Consideration
UFU legislation policy chair James O’Brien said urban dwellers coming to the countryside need to be considerate of farmers and their stock. He urged farmers to "watch their livestock and ensure adequate fencing” to halt dogs from entering the field.
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