Sheep killed by loose dogs on county Kilkenny farm
A sheep has been savaged and killed and another badly injured in a dog attack on a county Kilkenny farm.
The incident happened at a farm in Ballinalackan, close to Ballyraggett early on Sunday morning and is the latest in a line of attacks on livestock in the area.
One sheep died after it ran through a fence to get away from the dogs attacking it, the sheep then fell into a drain where it died. Another sheep was injured during the attack by dogs but survived.
Image: Liam Lacey – Facebook
This, as well as other attacks, has lead to the Garda National Community Policing Unit issuing a stark warning to dog owners through a factsheet about the consequences of animal worrying and dog attacks.
“Chasing by dogs can do serious damage to sheep, even if the dog doesn’t catch them. The stress of worrying by dogs can cause sheep to die and ewes to miscarry their lambs.
“If you live in or near a farming area, you must make sure that your dog cannot escape your property as it may find its way onto land containing sheep.”
Image: Liam Lacey – Facebook
In another attack on Sunday morning just across the Kilkenny border in county Tipperary, a new-born calf was lucky to escape with its life after being attacked by a dog resembling a pit bull terrier. The dog then attacked the calf’s mother before being disturbed and running off.
Last week the Irish Society of Prevention of Cruelty to Animals issued a warning to dog owners – farmers can legally shoot dogs in certain circumstances if the dog has wandered onto the farmer’s land and is endangering livestock.
