Reminder on the Importance of Dog Control this Lambing Season

Cork County Council reminds all dog owners to be particularly vigilant at this time of year and requests that care is taken to ensure dogs are always under control.

Mayor of the County of Cork Cllr. Mary Linehan Foley advises;

“For people walking dogs within their 5km, the safest and most appropriate thing to do is always to keep the dog or dogs on a lead, especially when walking in a rural area where there is a potential for livestock worrying. While your dog may enjoy the freedom, they represent a real threat to other animals, particularly sheep and lambs.”

Minister Humphreys noted that dog attacks cause real and serious injury to sheep and can have a negative impact, both financially and emotionally, on the farmers involved and their families. Under the Control of Dogs Acts, it is the responsibility of dog owners to ensure that they are always in control of their dogs.

Minister Humphrey’s went on to say;

“Some 2.5 million lambs will be born on farms all over Ireland this springtime. Sheep flocks are very vulnerable to dog attacks at this critical time, and especially during the night.  The presence of dogs, even on a lead, can alarm sheep prior to lambing and have a detrimental effect on both the sheep and their lambs. I know that the vast majority of dog owners behave responsibly. However, this is a matter of considerable concern for farmers, particularly those who live in rural parts of the country. Dog Wardens and An Garda Síochána are doing what they can, but they cannot be in every part of the country at all times. The solution rests primarily with dog owners.”

Should a case of livestock worrying occur or be witnessed, then the matter should be brought to the attention of the Dog Warden Service of Cork County Council. The Dog Control Unit can be contacted by telephone at 021 4285405 or by emailing vets@corkcoco.ie