‘A graphic photo but a sad reality for our sheep farmers,’ was how Sinn Féin MLA Aoife Finnegan described the gruesome image above.
Issuing a plea to pet owners to be more responsible for their animals, the councillor explained that several sheep have been killed by dogs overnight in the area in the last few weeks.
“This is a very distressing situation for farmers and their livestock,” she said.
“We all love our pets and need to ensure they are safe at home and not out causing havoc on farms. The farming industry is facing enough pressures without also losing livestock in this fashion.”
Explaining the traumatising effects dogs can have on livestock she added: “Chasing by dogs can do serious damage to sheep, even if the dog doesn’t catch them.
“The stress of worrying by dogs can cause sheep to die and pregnant ewes to miscarry their lambs.”
Stressing the issue, the councillor also explained that in an effort to escape an attack “untold damage” can be caused to fencing and field boundaries.
“Dogs chasing ewes and lambs can cause mis-mothering issues, with lambs dying from starvation or hypothermia when they become separated from their mother and fail to find her again,” she said.
“Dog bites can cause death in sheep or necessitate them being put down at a later date, or in less severe cases considerable veterinary bills.
“Injuries to sheep can also delay the normal farming routine, be it mating season or administration of vital medicines and vaccines.”
The long-lasting damage caused by sheep worrying extends to the farmer, said the councillor who explained that there are “direct emotional and mental health consequences” adding that “all this costs money” which ultimately effects the farmer’s livelihood.
“Farmers work to some of the highest standards of health and welfare and are bound by legal rules and regulations to ensure standards are maintained.
“In addition to the issues raised above, sheep worrying is extremely frustrating for the farmer as all their hard work, time and investment cane be undone in one action, completely out of their control.”
