New figures have revealed that Donegal had the third highest number for dogs seized for livestock worrying over a five-year period.
The figures released by the Irish Farmers Journal (IFA) show that Donegal County Council had to impound 45 dogs between 2015 and 2019, with Carlow (49) and Tipperary (66) the only counties with a higher amount of dog seizures.
The data also revealed that 38 on-the-spot fines were issued as a result of livestock worrying and dog owners were fined a total of €2,900 over the last five years.
In total, some 216 dogs have been seized by dog wardens and county councils for livestock worrying over the last five years.
The IFA estimates that there are between 300 and 400 attacks per annum, with 3,000 to 4,000 sheep injured and/or killed.
Sean Dennehy, IFA national sheep chairman, previously accused dog owners who allow their pets to roam without the restriction of acting in a reckless, selfish manner.
He said: “Marauding dogs are a nationwide problem for sheep farmers, but flock owners in the Cooley Peninsula have been under siege from dog attacks,” he said.
“In this blackspot, over 50 sheep have been killed and many more injured since the beginning of the year. In 2018, there were 18 attacks reported to the dog warden service in Co Louth and 31 dogs were seized in the Cooley region alone.
“Dog owners can be held responsible for any losses from attacks on sheep, with serious financial and legal consequences. Farmers have a right to protect their sheep flock and can shoot a dog worrying, or about to worry, their flock.”