Concerns over trespassers with lurcher dogs on Laois farms

Farmers are having ongoing problems with people coming on to their land with lurcher dogs in Laois, a recent meeting was told. 

Tom Jones told the latest meeting of Laois Joint Policing Committee that these dogs and their handlers were recently trespassing on lands at The Heath and around the Rock of Dunamaise. 

“Sheep and cattle have been frightened. Dogs are running wild and when the handlers of these dogs are confronted they basically laugh in the faces of the people who confront them,” he said. He cited two occasions when people found lurchers and their handlers in their back gardens. 

Cllr John King asked what would happen if these people get injured on the farmer’s land. 

In relation to the wider issue of crimes targeting farms, Chief Superintendent John Scanlan said gardai had made some significant arrests. “We interdicted a number of gangs,” he told the meeting.   

Speaking following the meeting, IFA Laois Chairperson John Fitzpatrick said the issue of lurchers and their handlers trespassing is a “very serious” problem.  He said the issue “seems to be on the outskirts of towns a good bit.” 

“It is a concern because in lots of cases they just go in and leave gates open and livestock in fields,” he said. 

According to Mr Fitzpatrick, the people engaged in the activity “can get aggressive” when confronted. He urged landowners not to confront them but to ring the guards instead. He told farmers to dial 999 and not be concerned about using the 999 number.  

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Separately, Mr Fitzpatrick urged farmers to lock up and light up their farms coming into the darker months. He warned of bogus callers and advised closing the gates and keep people out. 

Mr Fitzpatrick also urged farmers not to leave keys in tractors or cars and to check the IFA website for security advice. He said the IFA interacts with gardai on a regular basis and has its own Crime Prevention Officer, Barry Carey.