Irish Farmer's Association says ‘priority actions’ are underway following horrific dog attacks in Kildare

The Irish Farmer's Association (IFA) has insisted that 'priority actions' are being taken following reports of horrific dog attacks in Kildare.

According to the publication Agriland, it is understood that this is the second attack on sheep in this area in the last number of months, in addition to a recent report of the chasing of cattle by dogs in the area in north Kildare.

IFA Sheep Chairman Kevin Comiskey said that the attacks occurred in Moneygall on the Offaly/Tipperary border, and in Moyvalley, County Kildare, which is also near the border of County Meath.

48 lambs were killed in the attack in Moneygall and 20 lambs were attacked by dogs in Kildare, with 12 confirmed dead and 8 missing in Moyvalley.

Commenting on the shocking attacks, Mr Comiskey said: "The devastation caused by these attacks is shocking... for any farmer to go and check your stock and to find a scene like this is very distressing."

"It’s simply not good enough for dogs to be allowed to roam free and cause the level of damage that took place in recent days.

"We need stronger regulation around dog ownership."

Mr Comiskey added that he led a delegation to meet Ministers Heather Humphreys and Charlie McConalogue earlier this year and they put forward strong measures that are needed to curb dog attacks.

However, he said that the IFA hasn't 'seen progress on any of these proposals in the past number of months and the attacks have continued.'

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He elaborated: "The persistent failure of the authorities has frustrated farmers who have suffered significant losses as a result of dog attacks, and those attacks continue to take place across the country."

"There had been what seemed constructive discussions with Minister Humphreys and Minister McConalogue back in May, but we haven’t seen enough action since."

The IFA also revealed that it has three 'priority actions' to tackle the issue.

These include: a single national database for all dogs in the country that identifies the person responsible for the dog; tougher sanctions for those who fail to have their dog under their control at all times, and for those whose dogs are identified worrying/attacking livestock; and additional resources to ensure compliance with the obligations of dog owners.

GARDA RESPONSE

When asked for comment about the attacks by the Leinster Leader, a spokesperson for An Garda Síochana said: "Gardaí received report of an incident in which a number of livestock were destroyed on the date of December 8, 2022 in the Carbury area of County Kildare.

"Investigations are ongoing."

The spokesperson also said: "Gardaí at Roscrea are investigating following reports of an incident concerning livestock on farmland in the Moneygall area, County Offaly on Saturday, December 9, 2022.

"A farmer discovered approximately 25 dead lambs on his farm while checking livestock on Saturday morning.

"Enquires into the matter are ongoing."