Do you know where your dog is?

Pic: An Garda Síochána.

Kildare is one of 21 counties where livestock on farms have been attacked by dogs in the last four months, writes Brian Byrne.

An Garda Síochána say they have nearly 50 reports of such incidents since March in different areas of the country.

In some cases the owner of the dogs were identified and had to pay damages. Dogs have also been put down, and can be legitimately shot by farmers who find their sheep or cattle being worried by them.

An Garda warn that Prosecution under Section 9 of Control of the Dogs Act 1986 could result in one month in prison and/or €600 fine on conviction of such an incident.

They ask owners to understand that while their dog is friendly and placid at home, they can cause horrific injuries to other animals. "We would ask that everyone ensures their dog is kept under control as nobody wants to see animals being harmed."

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