DOG OWNERS have been urged to keep their pets under control after an Enniscorthy farmer lost 40 lambs and sheep in savage attacks.
The farmer, from the Davidstown area, wishes to remain anonymous but is understood to be devastated following the recent frenzied killing of his flock.
Enniscorthy-based IFA Development Officer Adrian King said the incident was particularly distressing, due to the large number of sheep killed, but it was not isolated – dog attacks have been increasingly growing more frequent in recent times.
In fact, he estimates that 50-60 “serious attacks” have taken place in County Wexford the past 12 months.
The issue has become so concerning that an emergency meeting will be held in the IFA Centre on Mill Park Road on Thursday evening at 8.30 p.m, with sheep owners and members of Wexford County Council in attendance.
“This is a very serious issue,” Mr. King told The Echo, “There was also a number of attacks out in Ferns during the week where ten sheep were killed. There is nothing more devastating for a sheep farmer. We are calling on the Co. Council to have more resources in situ to deal with these levels of attacks.”
He continued: “This demolishes the income of a sheep farmer in one single foul sweep. The damage done to a flock can take years to recover from. Even if the sheep survive, they will no longer be profitable.
“These attacks terrorise them – they are defenceless animals and when dogs target them and maul them they are traumatised. Ewes abort lambs and even if they reach full term, the lambs will not be viable when they are born.”
He added that it is a hugely distressing task for the farmer also when having to deal with the aftermath: “There is honestly nothing more devastating for them than seeing their flock littered around the field torn and mutilated – some are still alive and are humanely put to sleep, which is not easy to do.”
Mr. King said the onus is on dog owners to care for their animal and not leave them unattended to freely roam the countryside, allowing them to destroy months of hard work and preparation in just a few minutes.
