Monaghan IFA County Sheep Chairman Eamon Markey has said all dog owners must
ensure that their pets are under full control at all times and not allowed
roam freely in the countryside where they can inflict horrific damage on a
sheep flock.

The IFA Sheep farmers’ man said a dog attack on a sheep flock at this time
of the year can inflict immense damage in terms of both animal welfare and
financial consequence.

Eamon Markey said, “dog owners must be particularly vigilant in ensuring
that their pets are securely housed at night. Attacks from a number of dogs
hunting together at night are an all too common feature in the countryside.”

Calling on all dog owners to ensure that their animals are under full
control at all times and particularly at night, the IFA sheep farmers man
said dog owners should be aware that under the ‘Control of Dogs Act’, they
can be held liable for any financial damage inflicted on a sheep flock from
an attack by their dog.

Eamon Markey said under the law it is a defence for farmers to shoot
marauding dogs threatening their flocks.  He said the responsibility for
marauding dogs rests with the dog owners and it is their clear duty to
ensure that their dogs are under control at all times.