Appeals made to dog owners during lambing season

Appeals have been made this week by local politicians to all dog owners to make sure their pets are kept under control during the lambing season.

“This time last year,” Cllr Ger Darcy told the April meeting of Nenagh Municipal District, “there were a number of terrible, devastating dog attacks in the North Tipperary / South Offaly area. It's not been as bad this year but there have been a few small attacks. The lambing season is now and I am appealing to all dog owners to please keep your dogs in at night.”

A member of the Council Executive told Cllr Darcy that the Council is “upping the ante regarding an awareness campaign concerning dogs and lambs. The Dog Warden is also doing a lot of good work.”

Minister Pippa Hackett and Cllr Mark Hackett also reminded all dog owners of their role in reducing the risk of dog attack.

 Speaking following the launch of a Government led, national campaign called 'It's not your dog's fault, it's yours,' Minister Hackett said the campaign is aimed at increasing awareness of the harm that out-of-control dogs can do to people and to livestock. "As sheep farmers ourselves," she said, "the risk of dog attack is always on our minds. It is lambing season and Spring is in the air. It’s lovely to be out and about in nature on the farm and to witness new life all around. But a dog attack brings injury, death or at the very least, a devastating trauma to the flock.”

 “All dog owners should know where their dog is at all times," commented Cllr Mark Hackett, "and have them under control. One of the first jobs on a farm every morning is to check on livestock, and there’s always a niggling worry about what we might find. Even the calmest appearing pets can wreak havoc in a flock. This is for everyone’s safety and peace of mind; farmers and members of the public and of course it’s a serious animal welfare issue.”