Calls for enforcement of responsible dog ownership were made during this week's meeting of Cavan County Council. Cllr Peter McVitty told those gathered that as lambing season approaches, it was necessary to prevent marauding dogs from attacking sheep where possible.
He said he has seen the damage caused and highlighted how sheep that do manage to survive an attack "are never the same again". The meeting heard that too many dog owners let their animals roam freely without any consideration for either the countryside, or the cattle and sheep in fields.
Cllr McVitty appealed to people to ensure they know where their dogs are at all times, and to comply with the rules when out walking their pets. "Farmers are feeding their sheep and trying to keep them in a good healthy position for the lambing season.
"They are spending a lot of money with the cost of feed and everything now. Then they go out some morning to find their sheep have been mauled and killed; it's desperate so it is and very annoying for the farmer " he added.
