‘We had sheep mauled, injured and killed’ owners warn public

However, for Liam and Naomi, this time of the year brings its stresses, as the family try to keep their flock safe, especially pregnant ewes and newly born lambs.

“We’ve had sheep mauled, injured and killed”, Naomi told The Echo.

“It happens regularly but at this time of the year it gets worse… more people are out walking as the weather gets better and it’s also lambing season.”

According to Naomi, over the past five years there has been at least four cases of sheep worrying or dog attacks each year on their flock.

“Dogs need to be on a lead”, Naomi said.

“Even a sheep seeing a dog from a distance can freak them out.

“If one runs, they all run… and we end up with broken legs and lambs separated from their mums – maybe even overnight.

“If a lamb gets separated from their mum overnight, it can die from the cold or the mum may reject it.

“[If they run], sheep can also get stuck in bushes and ditches or die from heart attacks or exhaustion.

“Even people walking dogs on leads over to fences to see lambs can cause a panic that may result in sheep running.”

 Naomi, who is also a dog trainer, said that their own dogs, even the working dogs, are not left around the sheep on their own.

“The nicest of dogs, the most placid, their natural instincts can kick in when they see or smell livestock”, Naomi said.

“No matter how well you think [your dog] has been trained, 99 per cent of the time they will not come back and best case they do without attacking, the mere presence of them can scatter the flock.”

According to Naomi, a number of their sheep are carrying the wounds of past dog attacks, with one ewe losing both ears and an eye.

“Consideration is needed from those walking and exercising”, Naomi said.

“Just because you can’t see livestock [when out walking in rural areas], don’t assume it’s not there.

“Areas around Tallaght, like Kiltipper Park, the waterworks in Glenasmole and up around the Hell Fire, all have farms surrounding them.

“People should come up and enjoy the countryside, just be responsible.

“Dogs need to be on leads and people need to stop walking in places that are not public parks…if there’s a gate, it’s there for a reason.”

Speaking with The Echo, local councillor Alan Edge said: “I think a lot of people are still genuinely unaware of the risk to animals posed by dogs off leash, especially in areas where there’s farmland.

“No-one believes that their pet is capable of attacking sheep but the dogs who do attack are no doubt all much loved family pets.

“We need to get that message out.”

Cllr Edge has called on the council to introduce additional signage and measures to prevent dogs gaining access to farmland from public spaces.

“I think this needs to be part of a broader message about responsible dog ownership to address issues like dog fouling and dogs running round without any effective control by their owners”, he said.

When contacted by The Echo, a spokesperson for South Dublin County Council said that under the Control of Dogs Act 1986, it is the responsibility of dog owners to ensure they are in control of their dogs at all time.

“Dog attacks cause real and serious injury to sheep and can have a negative impact, both financially and emotionally, on the farmers involved and their families”, the council said.

“In lambing season extra vigilance is required by dog owners.

“Any breed of dog can be involved in a sheep worrying/ killing episode.

“The Dog owner is liable for any damages arising. Dogs must always be kept under control.”

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