'Tears were in his eyes' - Devastating attack on sheep spurs warning to Laois dog owners

People in Laois have been warned not to underestimate their dogs when it comes to attacking sheep this lambing season. 

Local councillors have called on dog owners to take responsibility for their dogs and ensure they are under control at all times, regardless of their breed or personality.

Councillor Vivienne Phelan urged local dog owners to ensure their dogs are under effective control particularly in advance of lambing season at a meeting of Laois County Council on Monday, February 23. 

The Fine Gael councillor and vet argued that dog attacks are a source of anxiety for many farming families in Laois, resulting in the injury or death of sheep as well as the financial and emotional fallout for farmers.

Cllr Phelan raised the issue following a recent conversation with a local farmer about his experience of a devastating dog attack on his farm. 

"A lot of his sheep were ripped apart. The same incident happened 12 years previously and even as he was telling me that story tears were in his eyes over what happened. Not only were the sheep lost, but the health of the remaining flock was seriously impacted," Cllr Phelan said.

She emphasised that as a vet she understands how a lot of people underestimate their dog's ability to do harm.  

The breed and personality of a dog does not matter when it comes to animal attacks, Cllr Phelan argued.

"Just because a dog is friendly, playful, good with the family and in at the fire at night time, that doesn't mean that they're not capable inflicting serious injuries on sheep once the instinct sets in.

"I'm asking all dog owners, whether they have a Jack Russell or an Irish Wolfhound, to take these risks seriously and to ensure that their dogs are kept under control at all times but particularly now during lambing season when flocks are more vulnerable."

Cllr John King supported Cllr Phelan's motion, saying: "The damage and suffering to sheep is absolutely cruel. Dogs are animals at the end of the day. Dog owners have to be fully responsible."

Having had much experience of dog attacks on his own farm, Cllr Ollie Clooney also backed Cllr Phelan. 

"I have the experience of it over the years, around 10 or 12 times. The stress it brings on to you and the sheep is unbelievable. No one can really appreciate it. It's an unquantifiable loss."

The councillor said a dog attack was the last thing a farmer wants and when it happens "you'd want to give up."

Laois County Council have recently began an awareness campaign surrounding such dog attacks. The council have advised all dog owners to ensure their dogs cannot escape their homes or roam freely and to keep them on a lead near livestock.

They have also reminded people that dog owners are liable for damages from a dog attack or livestock worrying incident. 

READ MORE: Laois IFA Chair recalls 26 of his sheep drowning as dog owners urged to act responsibly this lambing season

Ahead of this year's lambing season, the Chairman of Laois Irish Farmers Association, Henry Burns, recalled his own experience of losing 26 sheep in just one night from a dog attack. 

Burns appealed to dog owners to know their responsibilities and help protect vulnerable sheep from such damaging attacks.

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