Warning issued to Kildare dog owners following several reported attacks on sheep

By Kim O'Leary

Co Kildare dog owners are being urged to ensure that their dogs are under control following reports of several attacks on sheep by dogs in the Maynooth area recently.

Stray dogs cause untold damage every year especially in Co Kildare with large numbers of sheep being killed, and farmers are also entitled to shoot any dog worrying livestock on their land.

Meanwhile, Sean Dennehy Chair of the IFA Sheep Committee is appealing for dog owners to 'be aware of the damage' that dogs can inflict on sheep and other livestock.

He said: "Keep your dog under control. Put yourself in the farmer's shoes how would you like if your dog was being attacked by another dog and damage was done to your dog you wouldn't like that, so sheep and animals can suffer so a dog can inflict that damage on a sheep. So I would like to say to dog owners to please keep your dog under control at all times."

Members of the public are asked to contact Gardai or Kildare Co Council if they see any dogs worrying sheep.