Limerick farmers express concern after bullock is 'put down' following dog attack
THE IFA has called on the Minister for Agriculture Charlie McConalogue to fast-track stronger laws around dog control following recent devastating attacks on cattle.
Similar concerns have been expressed in Limerick with Cllr Ger Mitchell requesting “new fit for purpose legislation to be introduced and enacted relating to dogs entering on lands which may cause injury to persons or animals, to prevent distress to farmers, owners and their animals”.
The IFA reports that last week a yearling bullock belonging to a North Kildare farmer had to be put down by vets due to horrific injuries caused by a dog attack. Another bullock had to be put down a month ago having also been targeted by a dog.
“The devastation being caused by uncontrolled dogs across the country is not acceptable, and the delay by the Minister to act on this prevalent issue is not good enough,” said the IFA’s Paul McDonald.
“The effects of such an attack on a farm are widespread, the farmer cannot sleep at night without fear of losing another animal. More must be done immediately to ensure farmers around the country stop bearing the costs of such devastating attacks,” he added.
“IFA have been working hard to highlight the need for dog control laws to be strengthened up, but the Minister continues to fail in implementing stricter laws. The longer farmers have to wait, the more common these sorts of attacks will become,” said Mr McDonald.
Stronger regulations were brought before the Cabinet in recent months which IFA recognised as a step in the right direction but “more is needed to be done to not just prevent dog attacks on livestock but bring forward serious consequences for the owners of dogs found attacking livestock”.
IFA are again appealing to all dog owners to be extra vigilant of their dogs and their whereabouts at all times, especially at this time of the year when livestock are now out grazing.