A local councillor has said there is widespread anger in the Dunfanaghy area over the issue of dogs ‘roaming loose’ and chasing sheep.
Cllr Michael McClafferty said the recurring problem is just ‘not on’ and called on owners to be more responsible.
“This is not on. In recent times a car owner pulled up into a car park in the Dunfanaghy area, opened his boot and two terriers jumped out straight into the adjacent field, chasing a farmer’s sheep,” he said.
“This practice must stop at once or farmers have the right, and are well capable of, taking out anybody’s dog if found in their lands without fear or question.”
Cllr McClafferty also pointed out that dog owners are responsible for any damage their pets cause to livestock, vet bills and damage to fences.
“A dog leash costs just a few euros. However, a farmer’s bill could run to thousands if your dog is guilty of the said offence. There are dogs regularly roaming free in the Dunfanaghy Golf course beach area, terrorising local sheep in that area. There is no need for this – keep your dog under control.”
Meanwhile, Cllr McClafferty also said local people were ‘getting abuse’ while on walks with their dogs as a result of ‘third party dogs’ not being on a leash.
“These dogs that are not on leashes are out of control, running up to their (local people) dog, getting into unnecessary fights with a dog that’s already on a lead,” he said.
“If walking on trails in Dunfanaghy, or on the beach at Ards Forest Park or wherever, please have your dog on a lead. And if you need to be near parks or beaches, perhaps a muzzle should be used as well, particularly for bigger dogs where children are present.”
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