Independent councillor Michael McClafferty said that farmers around Co. Donegal are "pure tortured" by consistent dog attacks in the area.

The councillor said that people are "not getting the message" about dog worrying, and has asked the council to pass a rule that dogs must be kept of a leash in public spaces such as towns, beaches, walk trails etc.

He has also asked that the motion be passed around to all other council offices around the country to avoid "danger to the public".

The councillor told Agriland that despite campaigns and media awareness, people "can be ignorant" in believing that their own dog would not "endanger" sheep.

"I know there's no rule book with it, but if you get a pup and you're not up to speed with what this dog is capable of doing then you have little business with having a pet," Cllr. McClafferty said.

"One of our biggest problems is a lot of visiting dogs to the area. People from outside the county come to see our nice county of Donegal, and long may that last.

"They are welcome and we have no issues with their dogs either, as long as they are on a lead," Cllr. McClafferty added.

The Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ISPCA) is currently seeking a second warden for the dog pound in Co. Donegal, based at Glencar Scotch, Letterkenny.

The most up-to-date figures from the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) from 2023 shows that there were two full time dog wardens in the county at the time, while there were eight accounts of dogs worrying livestock reported.

With lambing season on the horizon, gardaí in Co. Donegal has also reminded dog owners that their pet must be kept under control at all times.

"By being a responsible dog owner you can help prevent vicious attacks on defenceless sheep and on their lambs. With dog ownership comes responsibility. Secure your dog, have it microchipped and registered with your vet," gardaí has stated.

Gardaí reminded owners that even if dogs are usually obedient with other animals, it is "every dog's instinct" to chase.