WITH LAMBING SEASON upon us, dog owners are being urged to be “on guard” and keep an eye on their canines.
The Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government and the ISPCA have joined together to remind dog owners of their responsibility we approach peak lambing season.
Their message comes a month after the Irish Cattle and Sheep Farmers’ Association warned that dogs could end up being shot on farm lands if they stray.
Damage
Under the Control of Dogs Act, dog owners can be held liable for financial damage caused to farmers, and costs can run to several thousand Euro.
Minister Hogan commented:
Owners of dogs must be vigilant at all times, but especially now as we are in the lambing season. Whether you live in or near the countryside, or visit it for recreational purposes, I ask that you are on guard the whole time.
He said that dog owners should be careful if they leave their dog out in the back garden at the end of the day for a ‘quick run and to do their business’. The fear is that this can result in even docile dogs joining with other dogs and taking part in attacks on sheep.
The ISPCA said that people shouldn’t let their pets roam freely in the countryside where they can inflict “horrific injuries and suffering” on lambs and ewes.
They also say that dog owners should make sure that their pets are secured at night.
Dr Andrew Kelly, Chief Executive Officer of the ISPCA, said the association doesn’t want to see “any lambs or ewes distressed, injured or killed by dogs this spring”.
Nor do we want to see any dogs destroyed as a result. Losses to sheep farmers can be significant and distressing.
To embed this post, copy the code below on your site
have your say