The Irish Natura and Hill Farmers' Association (INHFA) has submitted a petition to the European Parliament on the issue of dog control reform.

Any citizen of the European Union, or resident in a member state, may, individually or in association with others, submit a petition to the parliament on a subject which comes within the EU’s fields of activity and which affects them directly.

The petition may present an individual request, a complaint or observation concerning the application of EU law or an appeal to the parliament to adopt a position on a specific matter.

Such petitions give the EU Parliament the opportunity of calling attention to any infringement of a European citizen’s rights by a member state, local authorities or other institutions.

The petition submitted by the INHFA, titled "Reform of dog control on our hills and farm lands", claims that dog attacks on sheep are "out of control".

"Too many farmers are suffering from the devastation that is left behind from these attacks," it said.

The document highlights how sheep are being killed with the income and mental health of farmers being impacted.

"Nobody is held accountable and the dogs are still running free," the INHFA said.

The petition calls for a reform of the Control of Dogs Act, all dogs to be registered, microchipped and for DNA testing.

The farm organisation said that restricted dog breeds need to pay "a premium up to €150 per licence".

The increase in licence fees will generate revenue to support with extra dog wardens and compensate farmers whose livestock is attacked.

The petition states that the INHFA wishes to engage with tourism bodies and walking groups to highlight "this horrific issue rural farmers across Ireland and Europe are facing".

"It needs to be a criminal offence for you not to have your dog under control at all times," it added.

In 2023, there were 276 incidents of farm animals being attacked by dogs in Ireland, up 3% on the previous year.

Some 730 animals involved in these incidents with over 420 animals being maimed, killed or having to be put down.

John Joe Fitzgerald, vice-president of INHFA told Agriland that the farm organisation had "no choice" but to take their grievances to the EU Parliament.

He said that they "don't trust the government to deliver on this issue".

Fitzgerald added that a new national awareness campaign aimed at dog owners which was launched this week by government is "the same old story" and a "rehash from what was in the budget".

"We are trying to raise the issue of people bringing dogs onto hills, but nobody is listening," he said.

The INHFA vice-president said that millions has been allocated to walks and trails by the Department of Rural and Community Development. He claimed that same department has the power to ban dogs from the hills.

It is understood that the petition is also being forwarded to a group of Irish MEPs.