Dog owners are being urged to keep their animals secure after 40 sheep were killed in an attack in county Kerry.

The sheep – including lambs died in Annaghdown in west Kerry last Friday.

The Irish Farmers Assosiation has said liability for the attack lies with the owner of the dog.

The IFA’s John Lynskey has said farmers must be allowed protect their livelihood: “The sheep farmer is entitled to take whatever action is necessary to ensure that his flock is safe.

“That includes shooting the dog if there is no other means of capturing it.

“And in his defence is that if the dog is worrying or about to worry, he is fully entitled to do this.”