Plea to keep dogs under full control
A FARM leader has again pleaded with dog owners around the county to ensure that their pets are kept under control, with the peak lambing season just around the corner.
Over recent weeks there have been reports of dogs worrying sheep in the Ballinasloe and Loughrea areas – heavily pregnant ewes are particularly at risk to attacks from packs of dogs.
Galway IFA Chairman, Michael Flynn, told the Farming Tribune that dog owners needed to keep their pets under control at all times, as some of the deaths and injuries caused to sheep in the county over recent times were ‘horrific’.
“We are approaching a period of the year that’s absolutely critical for flock owners with lambing time just around the corner. Packs of dogs can cause major financial losses to those farmers, on top of the serious animal welfare issues that arise,” said Michael Flynn.
He said that the problems seemed to be more acute on the fringes of towns such as Ballinasloe and Loughrea while there was also a problem with people ‘dumping’ live dogs out the country.
“We are getting reports of instances where people have been seen letting dogs out of cars in rural areas. That really is irresponsible – there are agencies available to deal with the problem of unwanted dogs and people should get in touch with these,” said Michael Flynn.
He added that ewes close to lambing were unable to stay clear of marauding dogs with the consequences ‘quite horrific’ for the unfortunate sheep.
“The message we want to get out there is for people to be responsible with their pets. If they have to dispose of them it should be done in a humane manner after consultation with a vet or the ISPCA,” said Michael Flynn.
Galway Co. Council have also reminded dog owners of their obligations under The Control of Dogs Act, namely that their pets must be kept under effective control in a public place. They also point out that there have been a number of serious incidents of attacks on sheep flocks in recent years.
“Dog-owners are reminded to ensure that their dogs are kept under effective control at all times. Dogs which are involved in sheep worrying may be shot by the flock-owner or may be seized and put down by the dog warden. The dog-owner is liable for damages in cases where sheep are killed or injured,” the Council state. The County Council Dog Warden, P. J. Tierney, can be contacted on: 087-6431883.