With lambing season just started, Donegal Gardaí are advising dog owners that their pet must be kept under control at all times.
“An Garda Síochána in Donegal wishes to remind dog owners of the harm their pets can cause if let roam free or unsecured and not kept under effectual control,” a garda spokesperson said.
“With dog ownership comes responsibility. Secure your dog, have it microchipped and registered with your vet. At this time of year we often see issues with sheep kills when dogs attack livestock. Dogs should not be allowed roam. It is lambing season.”
Gardaí also issued advice to members of the public in relation to sheep in distress.
“If you are out walking in the countryside and you happen to see a sheep lying on its back with its legs in the air, you should alert the owner if you know them or any local farmer,” they said.
Sheep do not naturally lie on their backs and they cannot easily get into an upright position again by themselves.
“If you see one in that position there’s a good chance that it could be in trouble. A sheep is at an especially high risk of getting stuck on its back while it is heavily pregnant. It is then highly vulnerable to attack from predators such as crows when it is on its back. Being stuck in this position can also cause suffocation.”
