THIS week, Gardaí in Donegal reminded dog owners of the harm their pets can cause if let roam free or unsecured.
“With dog ownership comes responsibility.
“Secure your dog, have it microchipped and registered with your vet.
“At this time of year we often see issues with sheep kills when dogs attack livestock.
“Dogs should not be allowed roam,” a spokesperson said.
Reiterating that it is lambing season, Gardaí urged dogs owners to keep their family pet under effectual control.
“If you are out walking in the countryside and you happen to see a sheep lying on its back with its legs in the air, you should alert the owner if you know them or any local farmer.
“Sheep do not naturally lie on their backs and they cannot easily get into an upright position again by themselves.
“If you see one in that position there’s a good chance that it could be in trouble. A sheep is at an especially high risk of getting stuck on its back while it is heavily pregnant.
“It is then highly vulnerable to attack from predators such as crows when it is on its back.
“Being stuck in this position can also cause suffocation,” the spokesperson concluded.
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