A flock of goats were left injured following a dog attack in Howth at the weekend.
The incident occurred in Howth around 3.30pm on Saturday December 10, and the incident left four animals with puncture wounds and significant bite injuries that required stitches, and some animals missing, as the frightened herd dispersed and ran to avoid attack. Thankfully these animals were relocated and returned to the herd and those injured are expected to recover.
The 25 Old Irish goats, originally from from the national herd in Mulranny Co Mayo, were relocated to Howth last year as part of a new initiative in the hope that their grazing the land would help reduce the probability of fires. The incident was followed up by the dog warden and three fines totalling €300 were issued under the Control of Dogs Act following the attack.
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In response to the attack, the Irish Goat Society, Fingal County Council and the DSPCA are urging dog walkers to keep their dogs on leads and to make sure their pets are under control.
DSPCA spokeswoman Gillian Bird told Dublin Live: "It is the dog owner's responsibility to keep their dog under control at all times. Owners are responsible for their dog's behaviour.”
The Old Irish Goat Society said in a statement: "We are very grateful to our volunteer who stepped in and took action to help the owner get the dog under control. Had she not heard the goats wailing from her home and ran to help, we don’t like to think what could have happened. So our sincerest thanks to the volunteer who came to their rescue, we are incredibly grateful for your actions and bravery."
They added that there are currently 27 pregnant animals in their Howth herd. They said: "When people are enjoying walks with their dogs this Christmas please keep your dogs on lead, we never want our herd to go through an incident like this again."
Meanwhile, Fingal County Council said: "Fingal County Council would like to remind dog walkers that dogs must be under effectual control at all times. This is particularly important when near livestock.
“Wardens are operating on a strict, zero tolerance policy in relation to any dog owners who are in breach of the Control of Dogs Act 1986, including being off lead in places where they should be on lead in accordance with the Fingal bye-laws.”
A garda spokesman told Dublin Live: "Gardaí have received report of an incident involving a dog attack on livestock in Howth, Co. Dublin, on the 10th December 2022. Enquiries are ongoing."
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