Chip law sought after sheep are slaughtered near Leixlip
Some of the sheep killed by dogs at Leixlip recently
The killing of 20 sheep by two husky dogs in the Leixlip area has prompted calls for the mandatory chipping of all pet dogs, writes Henry Bauress.
At Leixlip Town Council on 5 February, Cllr. Anthony Larkin highlighted the kill on Saturday fortnight last of two thirds of a flock of sheep.
The sheep were owned by a part time elderly small farmer, and his veterinary advice was that, while 21 had been initially killed it was likely the farmer would be left with just three of his animals.
Cllr. Larkin said the dogs in question were Alaskan huskies, and it appeared they had no collars and did not possess microchips.
“The chipping of all dogs should be mandatory,” said Cllr. Larkin, who estimated the dead animals would be worth around €200 a head.
Cllr. Shane Fitzgerald said he was a sheep farmer himself.
“It brings tears to my eyes,” he said after members were shown photographs of the carnage left by the dogs.
Cllr. Larkin said this was the lambing season. People with dogs should be aware that Leixlip and Celbridge were urban areas, but were very close to farming areas and the dogs should be kept under control.
He also said that another farmer had reported dogs chasing cattle.
Cllr. Denis McCarthy said a dog did not have to touch a sheep to harm it. “Stress can kill them,” he said.
In a separate motion, Cllr. McCarthy called on the Town Council to publish a notice informing dog owners they have to clean up messes their dogs leave. This was because of public health, consideration for their fellow citizens and the Litter Pollution Act.
- Henry Bauress
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Thursday 23 May 2013
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