One in-calf heifer has been killed and a number of cattle are injured following a dog attack this morning (Wednesday, April 24) on a farm in Aughrim, Co. Wicklow.
The dairy farmer called the vet to the scene, and both the dog warden and Gardaí have also been on-site.
The cattle involved in the incident include Maiden Friesian heifers and Springing heifers.
The farmer told Agriland that the costs would amount to thousands, including vet bills.
He said that within the group, there were about seven in-calf heifers which may now face abortions.
The farmer had seen two dogs chasing the cattle around a paddock, before he “ran the dogs back home”.
Following what the farmer described as “a prompt response”, the dogs have since been seized by a dog warden, however the farmer said he has been informed that it is the owner’s choice as to whether they can keep the dog or not.
Wicklow IFA chair Tom Byrne said that the number of dogs attacks happening is “getting worse”.
“We’re always in trouble with dogs here in Wicklow and every day it is another horror story,” Byrne said.
“There is no winner. The farmer loses out and so does the dog owner,” Byrne added.
Dog attack campaign
Separately, a new campaign has been launched in recent days aimed at increasing awareness of the harm that out of control dogs can do to people and to livestock.
The national awareness campaign by Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys is to remind dog owners of their responsibilities.
The campaign follows a series of initiatives, including increasing on-the-spot fine up to €300, an additional €2 million for dog pounds and the establishment of the Dog Control Stakeholder Group.
Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Charlie McConalogue welcomed the new campaign, saying that he hopes it will encourage wider conversations on dog owner responsibilities.