Farmers have 'right to shoot any animal' worrying livestock - Gardaí

Gardaí in Galway have issued a stark warning that a farmer is "within their right to shoot any animal that is worrying their livestock".

In a social media post gardaí highlighted that more than 3,000 sheep are killed or maimed each year by dogs.

An Garda Síochána Galway added: "As the lambing season approaches, we would like to remind dog owners that your pets must be kept under control at all times.

"Please do not allow your dogs to roam, keep all dogs away from lambing ewes as they are easily distressed.

"By being responsible can help to save unnecessary mayhem and savagery to defenceless sheep and their lambs."

Gardaí in Galway have also reminded anyone living in or near a farming area that they should make sure that their dog "cannot escape your property" as it could make its way on to land where there are sheep.

"If your dog attacks animals on someone’s land, you could be held liable for the damages and face prosecution," they warned.

Gardaí have also asked dog owners to remember that sheep are "valuable assets" and any harm that comes to them "harms a farmer's livelihood".

"Chasing by dogs can do serious damage to sheep, even if the dog doesn't catch them.

"The stress of worrying by dogs can cause sheep to die and ewes to miscarry their lambs," they added.

Gardaí have also urged pet owners to keep dogs on a lead at all times near fields with livestock.

The appeal from an Garda Síochána Galway after numerous appeals from farm organisations to dog owners to be vigilant about the threat they pose to sheep and lambs.

Last week the Irish Farmers’ Association (IFA) launched its annual ‘No Dogs Allowed’ campaign.

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IFA President Francie Gorman called on the government to recognise the “deepening issue” of dog attacks on livestock.

However he said that the yearly campaign had been first launched in 2021 and that neither government or local authorities has done enough to address the issue.

Gorman added: “The devastation caused has to be brought home to those who think their dog would not be part of an attack on livestock.

"Dog owners cannot absolve themselves of the wreckage left behind when sheep are attacked."

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