268 livestock worrying incidents in 2022
A recent report showed that 791 incidences of aggressive dog behaviour were reported to local authorities last year, with 308 people physically injured.
A series of horrific attacks on sheep flocks brought the issue of dog ownership to the fore for the Department of Rural and Community Development at this year's National Ploughing Championships.
It followed renewed calls by the farm lobby on people to control their dogs and ensure they are not allowed to roam freely.
It says the effect of dog attacks on livestock cannot be overstated – not just in terms of the monetary loss involved, but also due to the traumatic impact on families witnessing the aftermath.
Concern about the issue is not confined, however, to livestock owners. A recent report showed that 791 incidences of aggressive dog behaviour were reported to local authorities last year, with 308 people physically injured.
A serious incident in Wexford last year, where a child suffered significant injuries in a dog attack, also reignited the debate on dog control legislation and enforcement.
It led to Micheál Martin tasking the Department of Agriculture with setting up a Working Group during his term as Taoiseach.
The control of dogs is the focus of the group, set up in collaboration with the Department of Rural and Community Development (DRCD) and other stakeholders.
It is comprised of officials from both Departments, the County and City Managers Association, including local authority dog wardens, veterinary inspectors, Gardai and three qualified veterinarians.
Statistics compiled by the DRCD show that sheep worrying, threats to livestock and related matters continue to be of significant concern in farming and rural communities.
A total of 268 livestock worrying incidents were reported last year, a 24% increase on the 2021 figures.
The Irish Farmers Association has repeatedly warned that dogs should not be brought in or near farmland and called for tougher action to tackle the problem.
Rural and Community Development Minister Heather Humphreys reminded people at the ploughing championships of the need to respect landowner’s requests and to be aware of where dogs are welcome and where they are not.
“Attacks by dogs on livestock cause huge emotional and economic harm to our farming families. It is vital that we promote responsible behaviour so everyone can enjoy the countryside without causing harm to farmer’s livelihoods,” she said.
Minister Humphreys, replying to a recent Dail question from Social Democrats TD Cian O'Callaghan, said setting up a stakeholders’ group was one of the recommendations in a report from the Control of Dogs Working Group.
She said this group will provide a forum for stakeholder organisations to express their views on issues and possible solutions related to dog control issues. Her officials will continue to work closely with the DAFM to coordinate efforts and related issues across government.
Agriculture, Food and Marine Minister Charlie McConalogue, replying to Paul Keogh, TD (FG), Wexford, said an increase in the number of dog wardens with the local authorities as the lead agency was one of the recommendations in the Working Group’s report.
