Sheep killed by dogs at Hollyfort, near Gorey, awaiting disposal. Pic; Christy Farrell.

One of the most harrowing nightmares experienced in farming is to rise early in the morning and discover that sheep have been killed, maimed or psychologically destroyed in an unprovoked massacre by marauding dogs.

It happened to Liam Poole at his Hollyfort farm last Saturday morning week, the second attack his flock had suffered this year, and last Friday another fresh frightening attack caused even more mayhem on his farm.

“I went out on Saturday morning to have a look at the sheep. I drove up the field and I saw two dogs lying in the field. We’ll be able to identify the owner,” said a devastated Mr Poole.

A pair of Mr Poole’s pregnant ewe lambs were killed, 13 were injured and distressed, and three went missing.

Chairman of Wexford IFA, Pat Murray, said “dogs worrying sheep is a problem in this area.”

Mr Murray said the problem is getting worse and dogs are not controlled. “Dogs should be locked up at night.”

In another situation at Davidstown, near Enniscorthy, upwards of 40 sheep were savaged by dogs last week.

The problem of sheep attacks will be the subject of an emergency meeting of the IFA at the Farm Centre, Enniscorthy, on Thursday, December 4 at 8 p.m. where it is hoped to have representatives of Wexford County Council and the Gardaí in attendance.

Full story in THE GOREY ECHO out tomorrow (Tuesday) morning.