Donegal dog owners have been urged to keep their pets under control during the current lambing season.
The call was made by the local branch of the Irish Society of Protection of Cruelty to Animals (ISPCA) after a shocking sheep kill in County Kerry.
On their Facebook page, the Donegal SPCA said that, at the end of the day, ‘dogs are dogs.’
“Dog owners, please keep your dogs under control as they are dogs at the end of the day, and sheep are sheep,” the statement read.
“Sheep become frightened very easily. It doesn’t matter if your dog is ‘only playing’ or ‘not interested in sheep’- the sheep are always interested in your dog and will run from the very sight of it.”
Dog owners are reminded that, particularly during lambing season, huge stress and trauma is caused to sheep by marauding dogs.
Owners can be held liable for damages and face prosecution in the courts if their pet attacks animals on another person’s land. Farmers are also within their rights to shoot any animal that is worrying their livestock.
Prosecution under Section 9 of Control of Dogs Act 1986 could result in a month in prison and/or a €600 fine.
Donegal County Council can also issue fixed penalty notices to owners under the Control of Dogs Act.
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