Dog Control Issues and Sheep Worrying Issues
Dog Control Issues
The Carlow/Kilkenny Dog Warden Service is based at the Carlow/Kilkenny Dog Shelter, Garryduff, Paulstown, Co. Kilkenny. It deals with dog control issues in both counties.
The following issues are currently topical for the Service and Kilkenny County Council would wish to remind the public of their legal responsibilities;
- Dogs should be in a controlled area or under your direct supervision at all times, i.e. dogs should not be left out at any time with access to the neighbourhood. Dogs not under effectual control, i.e. dogs roaming freely can cause problems for the public such as nuisance and sheep worrying.
- Restricted breeds should be leashed and muzzled in public.
Owners of restricted breeds should have consideration for the public while
walking their dogs, and adhere to the law. (Some members of the public are
afraid of such dogs.)
Sheep Worrying
Sheep worrying is a big issue for Sheep farmers at anytime of the year but it is hugely problematic when it happens during the lambing season (December to April approx ).
Sheep worrying occurs when dogs chase sheep, injure and /or kill them . Sheep are flight animals, that is, they flee / run when they perceive danger.
The damage caused can be visible. Often the sheep are still alive but they have very bad injuries e.g. intestines trailing along the ground as the sheep is walking around. In the majority of cases, these injuries can not be treated due to infection and risk of peritonitis and they have to be put to sleep.
Other damage caused is less visible and if the sheep are in lamb they often abort their lambs. After a dog worrying episode the sheep can become terrified of dogs which makes life very difficult for the sheep farmer as sheep dogs are used routinely to herd sheep. Thus routine farm tasks become very time consuming for the farmer.
The above causes economic losses and makes for a difficult working environment for the farmer.
Even though dogs have been domesticated for a long time, they have not lost their basic instincts. These instincts include a strong predatory drive. The chase instinct can be triggered by the sight of the movement of animals. Thus humans should not be shocked that the family pet dog would chase or worry sheep .
In this the Lambing Season extra vigilance is required by dog owners – be you a rural dweller or if you walk your dog in the countryside at this time of year. Any dog including family pets can become involved in a sheep kill if we (humans ) give them the opportunity. The Dog owner is liable for any damages arising. Dogs must be kept under control at all times. In certain circumstances it is legal for farmers to shoot dogs on sight if they are trespassing their lands. So be warned !
If you are a dog owner, you are legally obliged to have a Dog Licence for each dog you own. The fee for the licence is €12.70 and it can be purchased at any Post Office. A General Dog Licence is also available for any unspecified number of dogs at a specific address and the fee in this case is €253.95 and can be purchased at the Environment Section, Kilkenny County Council, County Hall , Johns St., Kilkenny or General Post Office, O’Connell St.Dublin. It should be noted that the Carlow/Kilkenny Dog Warden Service will be vigilant on this issue over the coming months.
Kilkenny County Council, Carlow County Council and the I.S.P.C.A. are committed in the Dog Warden Service to providing a good service to the public on Dog Control issues. We are asking you as dog owners to do your bit in becoming responsible Dog Owners.
The opening hours for the Dog Shelter are as follows:
Monday- 10.00am to 4.00pm
Wednesday – 10am to 1pm
Thursday – 10.00am to 4.00pm
Friday – 10.00am to 4.30pm
Saturday - 10.00am to 1.00 pm
Tuesday & Sunday – Closed
Telephone: 059 9726785