Minister for Agriculture Martin Heydon has doubled down on calls for dog owners to take responsibility for their pets as thousands of sheep farmers face into lambing as an awareness campaign has been launched.

“The issue of livestock worrying has been evident as a huge concern in the farming community for many years now,” Minister Heydon said.

The latest figures on dog attacks on livestock relate to 2024, when there was a 4% increase in the number of livestock worrying incidents reported to local authorities and with the number of animals attacked on the rise too.

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Over half of all stray dogs that entered local authority pounds in 2024 were not microchipped, with Minister Heydon indicating an urgent need to increase the microchipping rates for all dogs.

“I’m determined to ensure this critical issue becomes embedded in the consciousness of dog owners, and ensure that dog owners understand their responsibility and the significant damage a dog can do to a flock if uncontrolled,” the minister continued.

“You simply cannot bring your dog for a walk out in the country and just let it roam. This is an issue of huge importance, to the community as a whole and to all those responsible for animals, including the farming sector and pet owners.

“I look forward, along with my Department, to engaging proactively in terms of wide-ranging awareness campaigns across relevant platforms throughout 2026, on issues around responsible dog ownership, including sheep worrying.”

The Irish Natura and Hill Farmers Association (INHFA) welcomed the push for increased awareness of the dangers uncontrolled dogs pose to livestock, especially sheep.

“As we move into lambing season it is vital that all dog owners ensure their dogs are controlled both day and night and we hope this campaign will help instil this message,” the INHFA’s president Pheilim Molloy said.