Waterford Council urges owners to ensure dogs under control during lambing season
During peak lambing season Waterford City and County Council is advising dog owners to keep their dogs under control. An awareness campaign was recently launched by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) highlighting the significant damage a dog can do to a sheep and livestock if uncontrolled.
At the launch, Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Martin Heydon said that the issue of livestock worrying has been a huge concern in the farming community for many years.
“I’m determined to ensure this critical issue becomes embedded in the consciousness of dog owners and ensure that dog owners understand their responsibility and the significant damage a dog can do to a flock if uncontrolled.”
The Minister added, “It is of vital importance that we implement and enforce appropriate legislation, resource initiatives that facilitate effective dog control, and generally continue to raise the bar in this important area.”
Waterford City and County Council is also highlighting the dangers of ‘sheep worrying’ and the damage uncontrolled dogs can do to livestock and to farmers’ livelihoods. Dawn Wallace, Environment SEO with Waterford City and Council said, “There is no grey area here, dog owners are responsible for always keeping their dogs under control.
“Sheep worrying is an all-year-round issue but is particularly problematic when it happens during the lambing season. As we enter peak lambing season, uncontrolled dogs have the potential to cause great stress and suffering to livestock. Even if a dog does not physically attack livestock, if uncontrolled and in close proximity, the presence of a dog can cause injury, miscarriage of lambs or even death through stress.”
Under Section 21 of the Control of Dogs Act, 1986, if a dog chases, attacks, or kills sheep, the owner is legally responsible for the damage and may face prosecution.
Dog owners are advised to:
· Know where your dog is at all times
· Ensure your dog is always on a leash, particularly when walking in rural areas
· Never allow your dog out unsupervised
· Check that fences around your property are secure, to prevent your dog escaping
· Be respectful to your surroundings in the countryside.
Members of the public are advised to report dog owners acting irresponsibly by notifying the farmer or by calling 999/112 if necessary.
-ends-
