Ireland: Robust measures’ needed to curb dog attacks on sheep

Following recent dog attacks on sheep in counties Cork and Clare, the Irish Farmers’ Association (IFA) national sheep chair, Adrian Gallagher has called for the introduction of “robust measures” from government. During the incident in Co. Cork, 20 sheep were killed with more to be put down due to the severity of their injuries, while over seven were killed or injured in Co. Clare, according to Gallagher. The IFA national sheep chair described both incidents as “another act of failure from government to put actions in place” when dealing with dog ownership across the country. The association has put forward suggested measures to government, explaining what is needed to control dog attacks, however Gallagher said that there has not been any progress. “Current systems in place are failing to protect farmers and their livestock. The level of sanctions that are in place do not reflect the level trauma these dogs are causing,” Gallagher said. Dog attacks Gallagher added that the absence ...