Tipperary TD seeks 'robust dog legislation' following sheep kills and attack on woman

Tipperary TD Michael Lowry has called for "robust legislation" to enforce responsible dog ownership.

"We are now in lambing season. Reports show that up to 3,000 sheep and lambs are killed or injured annually by dogs," he stated.

The Independent TD raised the matter with Tanaiste Michéal Martin during promised legislation in the Dáil on Thursday, when he recounted that two days after Christmas a farmer in Lorrha was alerted that his sheep had been attacked by dogs.

"When he went to check he was faced with what was described as a massacre - 50 of his 133-strong flock had been savaged. More than 30 more had to be put down as a result of their injuries.

"Cllr Michael O’Meara, who is a neighbour of this farmer, told me of the devastation and heartbreak suffered by the farmer and his family. Of the utter carnage that he witnessed on that day," stated Deputy Lowry.

The Lorrha attack came just days after a similar incident outside Moneygall.

"The attack was caused by dogs - dogs whose owners had failed in their responsibility to keep them under control. These dogs were free to roam and maraud. Dog owners need to understand the damage and hurt caused by carelessness."

Deputy Lowry also recalled that earlier this year a young woman in Carrick-on-Suir was attacked and permanently scarred after she was terrorised and had to jump into the river to escape four loose pitbulls.

The incidents of dog attacks on children across the country was escalating, he said.

"Tanaiste, we must act to enforce stronger laws. We need robust legislation in place to enforce responsible dog ownership. Farmers need protection for their stock and should not have to live in fear of a constant threat to their livelihoods," stated Deputy Lowry.

Mr Martin replied that were were all shocked by recent dog attacks, particularly that which left one young boy with life-changing injuries.

"It’s a horrific story where you say a young woman had to flee from four pitbulls," he said.

The Tanáuste agreed that there was a need to strengthen our laws.

A working group had been convened and formed by Minister McConalogue and Minister Humphries, he said, and that group had been meeting to look at the issue in terms of both the enforcement of current Legislation and also recommendations for new actions.

"There is a strong onus also on the owners of such dogs in respect of the damage and attacks on livestock. It is not acceptable – it’s a terrible loss to the farmer concerned and we really have to tighten up considerably on this," said Mr Martin.