Increase in dog attacks on sheep

A spree of dog attacks have been reported to the Irish Farmers Association from sheep flock owners in counties Wexford, Wicklow, Carlow, Offaly, Longford, and Galway.

Statistics collated by the farming organisation indicate that the problem of dog attacks on sheep may be in the order of 300 to 400 per annum, with 3,000 to 4,000 sheep injured and killed.

IFA sheep committee chairman John Lynskey said he is taking calls on a frequent basis from farmers around the country whose flocks have been attacked.