Killer dogs that slaughtered 50 lambs worth €10,000 must be caught and put down before they attack a person, it was claimed.
Farmer John Healy, 47, from Moneygall in Co Offaly, revealed yesterday how he was left traumatised when he discovered the bloody attack on Saturday.
Another 20 sheep were killed days earlier at Moyvalley in Co Kildare, according to the Irish Farmers’ Association’s sheep committee chairman Kevin Comiskey.
Read More : Ireland could get extreme cold of -11C with new Status Orange warning in place
Kevin described the weekend killing spree as the “worst attack I have ever seen in all my time”.
And John told the Irish Mirror: “We are horrified, gutted, shocked, devastated. It’s a nightmare.
“It is a devastating scene. We have to try to get on with it.
“My sons [Cathal, 17, and Robert, 14] were first on the scene.
“They saw two big, black and powerful dogs in the field. It looks like they penned 11 lambs into a corner and killed them by the throat, one-by-one.
“One dog kept them in the corner while the other went in and killed them. They killed 50 in total and that easily adds up to €10,000.
“The aftermath could cost more, so I don’t know what the cost will be in the end.
“Some 70 sheep survived and more of these could die from the shock of the attack.
“We have no idea whose dogs did it, but they need to be put down.
“These dogs would be saturated in blood, so their owner will know what they have done. They could kill again. God help some poor woman or man who might be killed on the road. I never want to witness what I saw again.”
The lambs were born in March and April. John and the IFA’s Mr Comiskey have called for tighter legislation of dog ownership in Ireland.
The IFA claimed that existing sanctions against owners for attacks by their dogs do not reflect the “savagery and trauma” inflicted by “uncontrolled dogs”.
Sheep committee chairman Kevin told the Irish Mirror: “This attack is the worst I have ever seen in all my time. The issue is responsible dog ownership. We need to microchip all dogs, licenses linked to owners, a database of ownership, and more wardens and greater powers for gardai.
“This is a horrific situation and demands immediate action by the Government.”
Meanwhile, Sinn Fein senator
Lynn Boylan is due today to raise the matter in the Seanad during private members’ time.
She said: “I will be introducing legislation that will tighten up dog licensing laws and make it easier for dogs seized under the Animal Health and Welfare Act to be rehomed.”
Senator Boylan added: “The legislation will also link the microchip with the dog’s license to increase traceability and accountability with dog owners.”
Agriculture Minister Charlie McConalogue and the IFA were due to discuss dog control at a meeting last night.
The Department of Agriculture is already conducting a review of dog legislation and enforcement after a child was attacked last month by a pitbull in Co Wexford.
READ NEXT :
Gardai seize weapon as Dublin apartment is sealed off after body find in field
Taoiseach sends warning to social media firms after Leo Varadkar video
Will my road be gritted? All you need to know as cold snap creates treacherous conditions
Missy Keating rubbishes rumours she has found love Down Under
Jennifer Zamparelli's 'absolute nightmare' after being left stranded in airport
Get breaking news to your inbox by signing up to our newsletter
