Dog owners must take responsibility for lamb attacks

Fianna Fáil Councillor, Michael Cahill has condemned the injury and death caused to sheep on mid-Kerry farms recently.

On Saturday sheep farmer Tomás O'Leary discovered 11 dead lambs on his farm between Faha and Beaufort. During a routine flock check on he found that the animals had been killed by dogs. A further 18 were injured as a result of the attack.

“These incidents are very traumatic for all involved and on top of that, are bringing financial hardship to our hard pressed sheep farmers. Unfortunately the incidences appear to be on the increase and the losses higher than before,” said Cahill. “We all love our pets, but we must all take responsibility for them and ensure they have no opportunity to stray onto farmland, worrying livestock and in some instances, causing injury or death. We are talking about people’s livelihoods here, not just the pure cruelty involved.”

“Do you know where your dog is 24/7?

Are you entirely satisfied your pet is not straying onto lands stocked with sheep and cattle? If this continues, severe penalties will have to be imposed, both financially and on the freedom of movement of dangerous pets. And that’s the last thing anybody wants.”

The Kerry UNESCO Biosphere Reserve will host a series of biodiversity themed events during Heritage Week 2023.

Nature expert Thomas Canavan will lead a talk at Cronin’s Yard on August 15 and 16 on the flora and fauna of the MacGillycuddy’s Reeks.

Guest will visit heathland and bog to discuss the high nature value of these habitats and the species that they support. Visitors are asked to meet at the Cronin’s Yard car park at 12pm on each afternoon and each session will last approximately two hours.

It is advised that appropriate clothing is worn for this outdoor event and that