Farmers criticise 'failure' to tackle dog control issues as 2023 campaign launched
IFA Offaly sheep rep Marita Phelan with Enda Bracken on his farm in Gurtacur, Co Offaly, alongside IFA sheep chair Kevin Comiskey, and IFA President Tim Cullinan launching the IFA's 2023 campaign on dog control. Picture: Finbarr O'Rourke
Farmers have criticised the "failure" of authorities to tackle what is a "growing problem" around dog control.
The Irish Farmers' Association on Wednesday launched its 2023 campaign on dog control in Co Offaly.
The IFA began the ‘No Dogs Allowed’ campaign in 2021, however, the association's leader Tim Cullinan has said that, "unfortunately, the situation has worsened over the last two years, with sheep farmers dreading the prospect of a call to say there has been an attack on their flock".
Mr Cullinan said that those who want a dog as part of their family "will have to accept the responsibilities" that go with ownership.
He said that the 'No Dogs Allowed' campaign will continue until "meaningful action" is seen from Minister for Agriculture Charlie McConalogue and Minister for Rural and Community Development Heather Humphreys.
“The level of sanctions that can be applied do not reflect the savagery and trauma these uncontrolled dogs are causing," Mr Cullinan said.
The latest report on the implementation of the Control of Dogs Act shows that 192,348 are licensed out of an estimated 800,000 in the country.
This leaves an estimated 607,652, or 76% of dogs unidentified, the IFA said.
Mr Cullinan said that it is not acceptable to farmers, who provide full traceability for the 7m cattle and the 4m sheep under their care from birth, and where every animal is individually tagged and traceable, that a similar system is not in place for dog owners.
IFA sheep chair Kevin Comiskey said that all dog owners should take heed that they are fully liable for all damage and suffering caused to farmers and their sheep by their dogs.
“The irresponsible behaviour of some dog owners continues to lead to devastating consequences on farms and must stop,” he said.
He said this is a critical time of year on sheep farms as lambing gets underway. Dog attacks are causing unimaginable suffering for sheep and lambs and huge economic losses for farmers.
Mr Comiskey said that dogs should not be allowed in or near farmland, and he urged all dog owners to behave in a responsible way and adhere to this.
The key areas IFA has outlined that must be addressed include:
- A single national database for all dogs correlating licensing and microchipping and identifying the person responsible for the dog, but at a minimum alignment of the existing licensing and microchipping records to one central access point;
- Full enforcement of microchipping and licensing obligations of dog owners for all dogs;
- Stronger powers of enforcement for dog wardens and Gardaí and clarity on these powers;
- Increased on-the-spot fines for failing to comply with the microchipping and licensing requirements;
- Increased sanctions and on-the-spot fines for failing to have the dog under control;
- Significant on-the-spot fines for dogs found worrying livestock;
- Legal requirement for dogs to be microchipped and licensed and identified on the National Veterinary Prescribing System prior to any veterinary treatment or prescribing of medicines by veterinary practitioners;
- Authority to apply the legislative obligations to dogs in border regions owned by persons not resident in the State.
Mr Comiskey said the ministers must deliver the strengthened legislation as a matter of urgency and have it in effect before year-end.
