Attacks by stray dogs on sheep flocks have continued in this lambing season despite a push by farming organisations to have wardens enforce dog licence laws, reports Seán MacConnell, Agriculture Correpondent
According to Mr John Deegan, of the Irish Cattle and Sheepowners' Association, two very bad incidents occurred in recent weeks. "There was a bad attack on sheep in Cavan and we are investigating another here on the Wicklow/Carlow border within the last fortnight," he said.
He appealed to dog owners to keep their pets under control, particularly at this time of year, when the lambing season is getting under way.
Mr Lawrence Fallon, chairman of the IFA's national sheep committee, said that most dog owners were unaware that even the most timid dog could get involved in killing sheep. He said that most ewes which were worried by dogs had to be put down.