The killing and maiming of hundreds of sheep by marauding dogs has cost Irish sheep farmers tens of thousands of euro during the early lambing season and led to pressure on the Government to enforce dog licensing laws.
It also emerged that in the intensive sheep production areas of north Wexford and south Wicklow farmers are being refused insurance cover, leaving them to face the total cost of an attack.
While there have been reports of attacks all over the State, 36 flocks have been attacked in the past eight weeks in the Wexford, Wicklow and east Carlow areas, according to the drystock owners' association, the ICSA.
Mr Frank Kehoe, of the ICSA, estimated that losses of more than €60,000 had been inflicted by out-of-control dogs in the area. One farmer was facing a loss of €10,000 from an attack.
"Apart from the loss of money, there is a huge animal welfare problem. Blood does not have to be shed for ewes to abort their lambs or to become infertile," he said.
"We have already had meetings with Wexford County Council and they are putting 19 community wardens in place before the end of the month to check dog licences and to bring prosecutions. The council will also be launching a public awareness campaign."
Later today, the ICSA will meet officials of Wicklow County Council to seek similar support.
"The latest problem to arise is that north of a line stretching from Oylgate in Wexford to Arklow, Co Wicklow, farmers are being refused insurance cover against attacks," said Mr Kehoe.
Earlier this year, Mr Frank Corcoran, chairman of the Irish Farmers' Association's national sheep committee, also called for tighter controls on dogs. He said many people were neither licensing their pets nor placing identity tags on them.
He also reminded dog owners that farmers had the legal right to shoot and kill any dog found wandering on their lands which posed a potential danger to livestock.
"Farmers everywhere know, of course, that no one will ever claim a dog that is shot, because owners are liable for the damage they cause to stock," he said.
The cost of the damage to sheep flocks has risen dramatically this year, with foot-and-mouth restrictions on Britain forcing up the value of the Irish flock to an unprecedented level.
Mature breeding ewes have been making up to €150 (£118.13) per animal in recent weeks and the average price of sheepmeat has increased in the last 10 months by 30 per cent.