Council issues advice to dog owners on livestock worrying

Fermanagh and Omagh District Council has issued a reminder to dog owners to keep their dogs under control near livestock at all times.

With lambing season upon us, the Council is highlighting the issue of dog worrying of livestock and its potential consequences.

Worrying livestock can involve a dog chasing livestock in such a way as could reasonably be expected to cause some form of suffering to the animals, attacking or killing cattle or sheep.

Since April 2018, there have been 22 cases of livestock worrying in the Fermanagh and Omagh District Council area.

Fermanagh and Omagh District Council is reminding dog owners to act responsibly by ensuring their dog is kept under control near livestock at all times and to keep their dogs secure at night.

Chairman of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, Councillor Howard Thornton, said:

“Although the vast majority of dogs are well looked after and are friendly family pets, all dogs have the potential to inflict injury and to worry livestock. Dog worrying of livestock and especially sheep during lambing season is a very serious concern for farmers and we urge dog owners to always act responsibly by keeping their dog under control.”

Council Dog Wardens have the authority to seize any dog suspected of being involved in worrying or attacking livestock. Dog owners may be prosecuted for offences and a court may order the dog to be destroyed. A civil case may also be brought against the dog owner by the farmer for any financial loss suffered.

Council Dog Wardens respond to all reported incidents of dog worrying or attacks.

Anyone who witnesses a dog worrying or attacking livestock should report it to the Council’s Dog Warden team by telephoning 0300 303 1777, Text phone 028 8225 6216. For more information on the topic of livestock worrying please visit the relevant section of the Council website.