'Robust dog control legislation can protect vulnerable sheep' - TD
Fianna Fáil TD for Louth, Erin McGreehan, has called on the government to put legislation in place to protect "vulnerable livestock, such as sheep, from being attacked and killed by dogs".
Deputy McGreehan believes that implementing dog control laws would help to prevent dogs attacking people, which can lead to severe injuries, and even fatalities, by holding dog owners accountable for the behaviour of their pets.
"We have a responsibility in the house to promote and facilitate animal welfare. By preventing dog attacks on sheep, we will ensure the safety of our livestock," she said.
The devastating effects of these attacks not only results in economic losses for farmers, but also the immense consequences for those who witness such an attack.
"I have listened to farmers who have stopped sheep farming altogether because they cannot take it any more. They cannot mentally or financially take the hit of witnessing animals being tortured to death, brutally attacked and ripped to shreds," she added.
The TD believes that the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) should be in charge of implementing dog control laws.
"I hope [DAFM] can take over this entire brief and for it not to be across the three departments as it is at present. We need awareness and accountability with penalties. We need resourcing of dog wardens and to give them more powers," she said.
"Most of all, we must ensure the welfare of both the animal, that is, the dog, and the people it attacks, is protected."
The Minister of State at the Department of Rural and Community Development, Jerry Buttimer, said all legislation and policy in regard to the control of dogs, dog welfare, and dog breeding establishments will rest with the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.
"Discussions are ongoing between my department and [DAFM] to implement the transfer of functions in a timely manner. In the meantime, I am fully committed, as is the minister, Deputy Calleary, to progressing work in this area," Buttimer said.
Deputy McGreehan believes the government need to take proactive measures to protect sheep from dog attacks.
"In the Cooley mountains in Co. Louth, farmers are tortured and run ragged trying to protect their sheep. Dog owners are not adhering to signage and do not care about farmers asking for no dogs in the mountains," she said.
"They do not care about animal welfare. They are selfishly bringing dogs into areas with sheep and do not care about the damage they do. Quite often, they have the audacity to get aggressive when confronted about these issues.
"I find it absolutely shocking that people continuously do this. They do it because there are very few consequences. There are not enough dog wardens, and they do not have enough resources or powers. This has to change," McGreehan concluded.
