Warning to dog owners

Dog owners are being urged to keep their dogs under control when in the Cork countryside or around livestock.

The ISPCA is reminding dog owners to act responsibly, especially at this time of year when it’s peak lambing season.

ISPCA CEO Dr Andrew Kelly said that in recent weeks there have been a number of reports of dog attacks killing or causing horrific injuries to sheep and lambs.

He said that dog owners must keep their dogs under control at all times and can be held responsible for attacks on sheep which can have serious financial and legal consequences.

Dr Kelly added: “This can be a hugely stressful time for sheep farmers trying to protect their flock and they can often experience horrific dog attacks, causing damage to their sheep, pregnant ewes and lambs during lambing season, from January through to spring. Even the most docile, well-behaved dog’s natural instinct is to chase, which can result in them taking part in pack behaviour. Pregnant ewes can be seriously injured in a panic to escape from chasing dogs, often miscarrying their lambs, which is devastating for farmers. Allowing a dog to roam is not only irresponsible but it is also an offence not to have your dog under effective control and local authorities are enforcing the Control of Dog’s Act.”

In certain circumstances farmers may be legally entitled to shoot dogs to protect their flock if they are endangering livestock on their property, so if you live or walk near a farm, particularly a sheep farm, you must ensure your dog is under control and that it cannot escape from your property at any time.

The ISPCA is also reminding dog owners that it is a legal requirement to have all dogs microchipped. Puppies must be microchipped by the time they are 12 weeks old or before they leave the breeding premises. Owners must also be in possession of a Microchip Certificate.