Dog attacks on sheep: could Scottish model be the way forward?

Donegal farmers could be looking to the example of their counterparts in Scotland when it comes to tackling the issue of sheep kills by dogs.

Over the last few years, there has been growing concern about not just the number of incidents, but the lack of proper controls and laws to deal with the problem.

However, the new IFA National Sheep Committee Chairman John Comiskey has reiterated that the organisation is seeking a meeting with Agriculture Minister Charlie McConalogue.

Speaking at the March meeting of the Co. Donegal Executive of the IFA, he said the IFA wants a single national database for all dogs, and it wants more sanctions for offending parties while also providing additional resources for the dog warden service.

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He also said that Ireland “could work off the Scottish template.”

In Scotland, police and rural organisations have joined forces for a new campaign to raise awareness among dog owners of the serious penalties for livestock worrying.

Irresponsible dog owners who allow their pets to attack livestock can now be fined up to £40,000 sterling and sent to prison for 12 months for the most serious cases, as part of tough new penalties which came into force in Scotland last November following a successful Members’ Bill brought forward by Emma Harper MSP.