'Get a grip' - Row erupts over growing reports of injured sheep on Curragh in Kildare

A war of words has erupted between locals near the Curragh in Kildare over reports of lame sheep on the plains.

Sheep grazing openly is a famous feature of the Curragh given the historical rights but some people have reported an increase of lame or injured sheep in the area.

The Curragh is patrolled by rangers and locals are encouraged to contact them if they spot an injured sheep or any issues in the area. People are told to also contact the Department of Agriculture over emergency animal welfare issues.

Taking to a local Facebook group, one concerned woman said: "There are a lot of reports about lame sheep etc. on and around the Curragh. The Department of Agriculture now has a dedicated helpline for reporting cruelty of domestic and farm animals. If you see an animal suffering please flag it with the Department (016072379) or email with photos if possible to (animalwelfare@agriculture.gov.ie)."

However, a local living near the Curragh all his life hit back at the poster and told her to "get a grip" and "mind your own business."

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They said: "I’m living near the curragh all my life and never seen as much shite talk about lame sheep from people that know nothing about sheep or farming for that matter. Sheep can become lame very easy, they're known for it, especially with the weather we are having this year. Farmers have it hard enough without a pack of know it all giving them more grief. Get a grip and mind your own business."

However, the concerned woman responded: "How wrong you are! Sheep become lame primarily due to bacterial foot infections like scald (red skin between toes) and footrot (rotting hoof with a foul smell), yes it is often triggered by wet conditions, but also from infections like CODD (Contagious Ovine Digital Dermatitis) or injuries, abscesses, or overgrown hooves, poor hygiene and of course our wet weather often helps bacteria spread.

"All conditions are very painful and can be treated and prevented. So when you, or anyone causes pain and suffering to an animal and leaves the condition untreated for the world to see, it is most certainly everyone’s business."

The local man hit back again: "Wow, you did a Google search and your an expert now well done. How do you know the sheep isn’t being treated? Just cause he’s still on the Curragh doesn’t mean he’s not being treated. Lameness is so common in sheep and I’d safely say there’s not a flock in the country that doesn’t have lame sheep.

"Lame sheep mean financial loss for a farmer if not treated so you can be sure he’ll be looked after, so get down of your high horse about it being cruel. I seen a similar post to yours on another group and the things people are saying about farmers is shocking. I think you all forget who puts the food on your tables. Put your spare time into something more important than trying to cause aggro."

The woman pointed out that the ranger and Department have been contacted about a specific report of one sheep lame in the area.

A farmer also commented to agree with the original post. They said: "I have sheep but I have to agree with [the original poster], there are always injured and lame and in pain sheep on the Curragh. As per human moral code and the freedoms insisted on by the Dept of Ag, animals should ‘always be kept free from pain,’ i.e treated by a vet. The number of thin and lame sheep hobbling around the Curragh plains is a sad, shocking sight, and should be a matter of pride in ‘making a living from sheep’ and should not have to be enforced."