Latest statistics collated by IFA indicate that the problem of dog attacks on sheep may be in the order of 300 to 400 attacks per annum, with 3,000 to 4,000 sheep injured and killed.

According to IFA National Sheep Chairman John Lynskey its data on dog attacks gathered by the IFA shows an average of over 11 sheep killed or injured per attack.

Lynskey said the latest series of savage dog attacks on sheep flocks in counties Laois and Dublin highlight again the extent of this severe problem across the country.

The IFA sheep farmers’ leader warned dog owners that their pets can inflict horrendous damage on a sheep flock in an attack and the owners can be held responsible for the losses involved with serious financial and legal consequences.

He said dog owners are responsible for ensuring that their pets are under control at all times. Based on the annual sheep census, there are 34,304 sheep farmers in Ireland with 2.46m breeding ewes.

John Lynskey said farmers have a right to protect their flock and the law states;

‘Farmers enduring serious losses’

Lynskey said in the last week, I had to deal with a farmer who endured a dog attacks on his sheep, involving serious losses with a number of dead and injured sheep, and is now facing into more losses at lambing.

“Despite the efforts of the farmer in defending his flock, some of the dogs still remain on the loose,” he said.

According to Lynskey the devastation and trauma experienced by this farmer has left him seriously questioning his future in sheep production. This week’s attack is the latest on this flock and is the third attack in the last 12 months, he said.

“Unfortunately, I am taking calls on a frequent basis from sheep farmers around the country who have suffered similar such attacks. There are far too many dog owners not taking the responsibility that goes with owning a pet. Dog owners have an obligation to have their dog under control at all times.”

Lynskey said we are now entering the season where dog attacks become a weekly feature again with the long dark nights.

“Sheep flocks with pregnant ewes are particularly vulnerable to dog attacks at this critical time, and especially during the night,” he said.