Write a commentNewry, Mourne and Down Council are highlighting the large incidents of Sheep worrying in the area.
Already this year there have been around 40 incidences of sheep worrying across the Newry, Mourne and Down area resulting in the deaths of large numbers of valuable livestock.
These happen because Dog Owners do not keep their pets under sufficient control at all times.
It is an offence to allow your dog to stray at any time however the consequences of allowing this to happen in the presence of livestock can be horrific.
The outcome of such attacks will be severe for the farmers involved and Dog owners will be liable for any financial loss in addition to being subject to court action by the Council.
It is compulsory that all dogs are micro-chipped before a licence can be issued by the Council
The Chairperson of Newry, Mourne and Down Council, Councillor Naomi Bailie commented ‘We are a predominantly rural area and farming is integral to our way of life, the loss of sheep to Dog attacks is a traumatic event for farmers to deal with and can have serious financial implications as well as the obvious shock and upset it will cause. I would like to remind all Dog owners of the absolute necessity of keeping their pets under control at all times. If you have any issue in relation to these matters please contact the Environmental Health section in either Newry or Downpatrick’
