Ireland to issue €300 on-the-spot fines for sheep worrying
© Tim Scrivener Dog owners in Ireland who fail to keep their dogs under control around livestock will face €300 (£263) on-the-spot fines from 1 December.
The Irish Farmers Association (IFA) welcomed the new rules, but said stronger regulations and funding for dog control are needed to protect livestock from dog attacks.
The National Sheep Association (NSA) said it would like to see a similar approach adopted in the UK, where England, Scotland and Wales each has their own legislation on livestock worrying with varying penalties for offenders.
See also: What to do if you’re a victim of… sheep worrying
“Anything that sends a message that livestock worrying is unacceptable and will be punished is a good thing,” said NSA chief executive Phil Stocker, commenting on the new regulations coming to Ireland.
“Spot fines plus the ability to increase fines generally for more serious and repeat offences would be an important part of the toolbox.”
Under the Dogs (Protection of Livestock) Act 1953, the owner of a dog caught worrying sheep or other stock on farmland in England and Wales faces a maximum penalty of £1,000.
In Scotland, however, owners of dogs that attack or worry livestock can be fined up to £40,000 or even sent to prison for 12 months.
Industry leaders have criticised the Conservative government after it dropped the Kept Animals Bill in May, which contained a new Livestock Protection Act that sought to introduce tougher penalties for irresponsible dog owners who allow their out-of-control pets to attack livestock.
IFA sheep chairman Kevin Comiskey said the irresponsible behaviour of dog owners continues to lead to devastating consequences across Ireland.
Dogs should not be allowed near farmland, he added, urging all dog owners to behave in a responsible way and adhere to this.