Sheep kills lead to call for dog IDs
Labour spokesperson for agriculture and food Dr Mary Upton raised the issue with Environment and Local Government Minister Martin Cullen.
It followed reports that marauding dogs have attacked and killed sheep in various parts of the country in recent weeks.
ICSA president John Deegan earlier called on county councils nationwide to crack down on dog owners who are breaking the law in relation to dog licences and identification.
He urged councils to put extra efforts into patrolling their counties and delivering fines to law breakers in a serious effort to put an end to dog attacks on sheep in the countryside.
Mr Deegan also appealed to farmers and the general public to be vigilant in reporting anyone whose dogs are not clearly identified by disc and collars.
Minister Cullen told Dr Upton that the owner or other person in charge of a dog is required by law to ensure that the animal at all times wears a collar bearing the name and address of the owner inscribed on an attached plate, badge or disc.
There was no proposal at present to alter the arrangements, which are of recent standing and follow a close consideration of all practicable options for ensuring the identification of dogs.
Minister of State Liam Aylward had already warned that dogs have the potential to decimate sheep flocks. It was essential that everything possible should be done by dog owners to prevent such attacks, he said.
