Dog attacks on sheep flocks risen

THE number of attacks by dogs on sheep flocks has increased in recent weeks, according to the Irish Cattle and Sheep Farmers Association.

ICSA sheep committee vice chairman Gabriel Gilmartin yesterday called for severe fines for errant dog owners who do not take control of their animals.

He said the ICSA has been lobbying for electronic tagging for a number of years, and it is unacceptable that it has not been introduced.

“There is an opportunity here for Minister Roche to sort this out,” he said.

Mr Gilmartin said this enables the authorities to track down owners of offending dogs.