Friday, March 28, 2008

Ireland: Sheep killed on Comeragh Mountains by stray dog-The Implications

Deise AM on WLR featured an interesting interview with a sheep farmer who complained bitterly about worrying of sheep by a stray dog on the Comeragh Mountains, Co. Waterford. Last night the dog killed seven sheep many of them in lamb. The rest of his sheep were found in a terrified condition. The farmer must now dispose of the carcases at his own expense.

Sheep farmers are at the mercy of stray dogs. The farmer made the point that on some occasions dogs are dumped by their owners. On other occasions they may break free from hill walkers and wreak havoc.

Another farmer contacted the programme to state that there were five stray dogs on the loose in the Lismore area.
Unfortunately some urban dwellers cannot appreciate the difficulties facing sheep farmers. Many farmers are painted as unreasonable when they complain about difficulties posed by some hill walkers who are accompanied by dogs.

Hopefully hill walkers who are tempted to bring dogs on their mountain treks will desist from the practice. It poses difficulties for the overwhelming majority of sensible walkers.
Sheep farmers are entitled to protect their livelihoods.

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