IFA Calls For Tighter Regulation Of Dogs Following Savage Dog Attack On Sheep In Moyvalley

12 sheep died after being attacked by a dog in Moyvalley

The Irish Farmer's Association has said savage dog attacks on sheep have to stop.

The association is calling for laws the laws around dogs have to be enforced and properly regulated.

It comes in the wake of dog attacks in Moyvalley here in Kildare, and in Moneygall on the Offaly/Tipperary border.

Sheep Chairman Kevin Comiskey has said these two horrific dog attacks on sheep in recent days have left 70 lambs dead.

48 lambs were killed in the attack in Tipperary and 20 lambs were attacked by dogs in Kildare, with 12 confirmed dead and 8 missing in Moyvalley.

The IFA has called for the following actions to be prioritised in order to tackle the issue

1. A single national database for all dogs in the country that identifies the person responsible for the dog;
2. Tougher sanctions for those who fail to have their dog under their control at all times, and for those whose dogs are identified worrying/attacking livestock;
3. Additional resources to ensure compliance with the obligations of dog owners.

Mr Comiskey commented: “The devastation caused by these attacks is shocking. For any farmer to go and check your stock and to find a scene like this is very distressing.

“It’s simply not good enough for dogs to be allowed to roam free and cause the level of damage that took place in recent days. We need stronger regulation around dog ownership.

“The persistent failure of the authorities has frustrated farmers who have suffered significant losses as a result of dog attacks, and those attacks continue to take place across the country.

“There had been what seemed constructive discussions with Minister Humphreys and Minister McConalogue back in May, but we haven’t seen enough action since,” he added.

Kevin Comiskey led a delegation to meet Ministers Heather Humphreys and Charlie McConalogue earlier this year and they put forward strong measures that are needed to curb dog attacks.

Unfortunately,  Mr Comiskey said they haven't seen progress on any of these proposals in the past number of months and the attacks have continued.

Sheep Chairman Kevin Comiskey spoke with Eoin Beatty on Wednesday morning's Kildare Today, listen back to the full interview here: