ISPCA and IFA appeal to dog owners to keep their pets under proper control

FARM leaders and the ISPCA (Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) have made another appeal to dog owners – especially those living on the edge of towns – to keep their pets under control at all times.

The appeal comes after reports of more attacks on sheep across the country and in Galway over recent weeks leading to horrific cruelty and thousands of euro in losses to farmers.

Dr Andrew Kelly, ISPCA Chief Executive Officer said that this Spring, no one wanted to see any lambs or ewes distressed, injured or killed by dogs.

“Nor do we want to see any dogs destroyed as a result. Losses to sheep farmers can be significant and distressing.

“We would like to remind all dog owners to keep their dogs under control around sheep and other livestock, particularly at this time of year when lambs are being born and are extremely vulnerable,” said Dr. Kelly.

He said that while walking your dog outdoors was a great way to get healthy and was a very enjoyable form of exercise for both owner and the dog, owners needed to act responsibly and to keep their dog on a lead at all times around livestock.

Dr. Kelly also pointed out that under the Control of Dogs Act, dog owners can be held liable for financial damage caused to farmers and these costs can be significant.

“Even the most docile of dogs can join a pack in a sheep attack and dog owners need to ensure that their dogs are secured both day and night.

“The ISPCA is reminding dog owners to be responsible and to ensure that their dogs are microchipped, vaccinated, neutered and controlled which are key components of responsible dog ownership,” said Dr. Kelly.

Co. Galway IFA Sheep Committee Chairman, Michael Murphy, told the Farming Tribune that despite all the pleas and warnings, there were still serious ongoing problems with dogs attacking sheep especially on the fringes of towns and urban areas.

“The only way to describe the aftermath of a dog attack on sheep is horrific. It really is shocking the damage and cruelty that can be caused to flocks by marauding dogs.

“While we welcome the announcement from Minister Coveney about the compulsory microchipping of dogs from next year, we are imploring dog owners to keep their pets under control at all times,” said Michael Murphy.

With a ewe in-lamb now worth in the region of €250, a night’s carnage by dogs can run into a couple of thousand euro, with the dog owner liable for the damages.

As part of the microchipping programme, the IFA are hoping that insurance cover for dog attacks on flocks can be added to policies in order to ensure a better chance of compensation for affected farmers.