Laois IFA Chair recalls 26 of his sheep drowning as dog owners urged to act reponsibly this lambing season

Dog owners in Laois are being urged to act responsibly and keep their pets under control as lambing season approaches. 

Laois Irish Farmers Association(IFA) County Chairman Henry Burns recalled losing 26 sheep in a single night due to dogs. 

Mr Burns appealed to dog owners to know the law, understand their responsibilities and keep their dogs away from sheep. 

He explained that even harmless appearing dogs like labradors and sheep dog crosses are capable of attacking sheep and killing sheep. He said it was instinct for dogs to round up animals and what can begin as play can turn to biting. 

“The dogs can’t help it. It is not the dog's fault. It is the responsibility of the owners,” said Mr Burns. 

He said sheep were particularly vulnerable at this time of year when they are heavily pregnant or lambing. Even if animals are only chased it can lead to serious harm and he said this was particularly the case of sheep near rivers.

“I had 26 sheep drown one night. It was ten years ago,” he recalled.  

He had a simple message for dog owners. “No dogs allowed where there are sheep at this time of the year as they are mostly heavily pregnant or lambing,” he said. 

Mr Burns said the IFA was running a campaign called ‘No Dogs Allowed’ to highlight the issue. 

He said most farmers are also dog owners and they don’t want to have to take action against dogs but they need to protect their livestock. “I have followed dogs back to people’s houses in the middle of the night,” he said.

Although they are legally within their rights if sheep are being worried, Mr Burns said, “farmers don’t want to end up shooting a family pet.” 

He said there needs to be awareness of the harm dogs can do and he said there should be more enforcement of dog licences and ownership. 

“We have always worked closely with the Laois Dog Warden and found him very good,” he added. 

Meanwhile Laois County Council has echoed the message and called on dog owners to act responsibly.    

They issued some reminders for dog owners as lambing season nears

“Even if a dog does not make physical contact, the stress caused by chasing or worrying can cause sheep serious injury.

Secure your property. If you live in or near a farming area, ensure your dog cannot escape. Unsupervised dogs often roam further than owners realise and can end up in fields containing livestock,” the Council stated. 

They reminded Laois dog owners to never allow dogs out unsupervised, especially at night.

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Keep dogs on a lead near livestock. When walking in or near fields with sheep or other farm animals, dogs must be always kept on a lead and under full control.

“Know your legal responsibilities. Under the Control of Dogs Act, dog owners are liable for damages as a result of a dog attack or livestock worrying incident,” the Council stated. 

Laois County Council asked all dog owners to play their part in protecting vulnerable livestock during this critical period.