It is wrong that farmers continue to pay for people's lack of respect for livestock in the countryside and have to witness the disturbing impact of the attacks, Ulster Farmers’ Union deputy president Victor Chestnutt has said.
The statement comes after a case of dog worrying led to the death of a ewe on a Co Down farm.
The UFU has said it is disheartening that another worrying attack has left a farming family to deal with the horrific aftermath.
Chestnutt said: “It is a harrowing sight to see poor defenceless animals such as sheep fall victim to dogs.
"I would urge dog owners to remember that the desire to hunt and chase is part of any dog’s natural instinct.
"This most recent attack reinforces the need for all dog owners to ensure that their pets are not permitted to roam freely in the countryside. The safest and most appropriate thing is to always keep your dog on a lead when out and about.”
If a dog worries, attacks or kills sheep the person in charge of that dog is guilty of an offence. The penalty for this offence is a fine of up to £1,000.
Penalty
In Northern Ireland, members of the public are not allowed on to open country with a dog that is not under proper control. If a dog worries, attacks or kills sheep the person in charge of that dog is guilty of an offence. The penalty for this offence is a fine of up to £1,000.
Chestnutt warned: “If a dog were to engage in a chase this could result in injury or death of those sheep who fall foul to the actions of irresponsible dog owners. Sheep that have been chased by dogs in the past and have survived, never fully recover from the attack.”
Very real concern
Chestnutt says livestock worrying remains a very real concern for farmers. “Recurring incidents of livestock worrying along with displays of other irresponsible behaviour by the public when in the countryside, causes farmers to be fearful of improved public access to the countryside.
“By abiding to the law and being mindful of the welfare of livestock and the livelihood of local farmers. Dog owners can enjoy the countryside, keep their pet safe from the consequence of a dog-worrying incident and avoid a substantial fine.”
In Northern Ireland, members of the public are not allowed on to open country with a dog that is not under proper control
In Northern Ireland, dog wardens are employed by each of the 11 local councils.
Chestnutt concluded: “I appeal to all dog owners, dog wardens and local authorities to step up to the mark and prevent incidences of livestock worrying occurring in Northern Ireland’s countryside.
Taking action
A common area of confusion surrounds the action that a farmer can legally take if a stray dog is causing harm to their livestock.
Legislation for NI states that there are grounds to shoot a dog that “was worrying or was about to worry livestock”.
However, the farmer must be able to prove that there were “no other reasonable means” of ending the incident.
Legislation requires farmers to contact the PSNI within 48 hours of shooting a dog that had been harming livestock.
Read more
NI farmers can shoot stray dogs
Owners warned to control dogs after flocks attacked in Tipperary
Graphic images: dog shot after six-week killing spree
It is wrong that farmers continue to pay for people's lack of respect for livestock in the countryside and have to witness the disturbing impact of the attacks, Ulster Farmers’ Union deputy president Victor Chestnutt has said.
The statement comes after a case of dog worrying led to the death of a ewe on a Co Down farm.
The UFU has said it is disheartening that another worrying attack has left a farming family to deal with the horrific aftermath.
Chestnutt said: “It is a harrowing sight to see poor defenceless animals such as sheep fall victim to dogs.
"I would urge dog owners to remember that the desire to hunt and chase is part of any dog’s natural instinct.
"This most recent attack reinforces the need for all dog owners to ensure that their pets are not permitted to roam freely in the countryside. The safest and most appropriate thing is to always keep your dog on a lead when out and about.”
If a dog worries, attacks or kills sheep the person in charge of that dog is guilty of an offence. The penalty for this offence is a fine of up to £1,000.
Penalty
In Northern Ireland, members of the public are not allowed on to open country with a dog that is not under proper control. If a dog worries, attacks or kills sheep the person in charge of that dog is guilty of an offence. The penalty for this offence is a fine of up to £1,000.
Chestnutt warned: “If a dog were to engage in a chase this could result in injury or death of those sheep who fall foul to the actions of irresponsible dog owners. Sheep that have been chased by dogs in the past and have survived, never fully recover from the attack.”
Very real concern
Chestnutt says livestock worrying remains a very real concern for farmers. “Recurring incidents of livestock worrying along with displays of other irresponsible behaviour by the public when in the countryside, causes farmers to be fearful of improved public access to the countryside.
“By abiding to the law and being mindful of the welfare of livestock and the livelihood of local farmers. Dog owners can enjoy the countryside, keep their pet safe from the consequence of a dog-worrying incident and avoid a substantial fine.”
In Northern Ireland, members of the public are not allowed on to open country with a dog that is not under proper control
In Northern Ireland, dog wardens are employed by each of the 11 local councils.
Chestnutt concluded: “I appeal to all dog owners, dog wardens and local authorities to step up to the mark and prevent incidences of livestock worrying occurring in Northern Ireland’s countryside.
Taking action
A common area of confusion surrounds the action that a farmer can legally take if a stray dog is causing harm to their livestock.
Legislation for NI states that there are grounds to shoot a dog that “was worrying or was about to worry livestock”.
However, the farmer must be able to prove that there were “no other reasonable means” of ending the incident.
Legislation requires farmers to contact the PSNI within 48 hours of shooting a dog that had been harming livestock.
Read more
NI farmers can shoot stray dogs
Owners warned to control dogs after flocks attacked in Tipperary
Graphic images: dog shot after six-week killing spree
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