Dog Owners Urged 'To Be Careful In The Countryside'

All dog owners have been urged "to be careful in the countryside" following a meeting on the issue of dogs worrying livestock.

The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) and the Ulster Farmers' Union made the call amid reports of increasing incidents. Farmers are said to be concerned for the welfare of their animals.

A DAERA spokesperson said: "We understand the real concerns of farmers in this regard, but the solution lies with dog owners. That is why we are appealing for anyone who owns a dog to take particular care in rural areas.

"It might seem like a fairly minor act of negligence to let a dog run free in the countryside, but it can have particularly harmful, and potentially expensive, consequences for farmers.

"As we come into the good weather, and more people are out and about with their dogs, we ask that they be mindful of the environment around them. Do not let dogs run out of control, especially in areas where there may be livestock.

"As owners or keepers are responsible for any damage caused, this is one area where prevention is better than cure. Even the best-trained dog can inadvertently distress farmyard animals. Owners should take steps to avoid any situation where their pet might encounter livestock.

"We will continue to work with the UFU and other organisations to monitor and address the issue."

James O'Brien, Ulster Farmers' Union Legislation Chairman, added: "With more and more urban dwellers moving to the countryside, this has brought an increased number of dogs to rural areas resulting in more and more dog owners using the countryside to exercise their pets. Indeed with more attacks being carried out by stray dogs this would also suggest that dogs are escaping from their homes and engaging in livestock worrying.

"The UFU would also encourage its members to check stock regularly in case of attack, maintain walls, fences and hedges with the aim of making it more difficult for dogs to gain access to fields where livestock are grazing and help each other as regards alerting one another if loose dogs are sighted near livestock."

Farmers are encouraged to report all incidences of livestock worrying to the PSNI and their local Dog Warden as and when they occur. This is to ensure accurate data is collected to get a better understanding of the scale of the issue and deploy resources accordingly.

(MH/LM)