Farmer, get a life for your dog

I APPEAL to all farmers to have their dogs and cats neutered during National Spay Week from September 30 to October 6.

The unwanted dog and feral cat problem is a real threat to an industry already reeling from disasters such as foot and mouth and BSE. We cannot be taken seriously as a clean, green, good food producing country when 30,000 dogs are destroyed in pounds around the country each year.

Visit any pound or animal rescue centre and you will find that most dogs there are sheepdogs or sheepdog crosses. How many farmers have allowed their bitch to breed “hoping to sell the pups” only to end up bringing them to the pound or rescue centre?

Prevention is better than cure. Have your dogs and cats neutered. It does not change their character or ability to work. In fact they will be better workers, as they won’t be losing months every year from heat, pregnancy and nursing pups. Take responsibility for your animals; we owe them a debt of honour for all their hard work. Avail of the voucher scheme. Ask your local vet for details.

Fiona Gammell,

Avon Hill Farm,

Ballyknocken,

Rathdrum,

Co Wicklow