DERRY City and Strabane District Council has issued a plea to dog owners in the Derry area to keep their dogs under control.
It follows a spate of attacks on sheep in the Whitehouse Road and Groarty Road area of the city this week.
Attacks on sheep or other livestock falls under the Dogs (NI) Order 1983 and is enforced by the Council.
Seamus Donaghy, Head of Health, Community and Wellbeing with Derry City and Strabane District Council said local farmers in the area are hugely concerned with two separate sheep attacks having been reported over the past 10 day period resulting in 38 sheep being killed.
Urging dog owners in the area not to let their dogs stray, Mr. Donaghy said the incidents had caused a lot of distress to the local farmers.
“Not only is there the financial implications of the loss of these animals, but it is deeply distressing for the owners of these animals to see them mauled and attacked in this manner.
“The Council’s Dog Wardens have been patrolling the area after reports that two large dogs have been seen straying.
“We are urging dog owners to act responsibly and to keep their dogs on a lead and supervised at all times, especially on land where livestock is present and to members of the public to pass on any information relating on the attacks to the dog wardens.”
He urged local farmers to be vigilant and assured them that extra patrols by the wardens will take place in an effort to resolve the issue, adding that under the Dog Amendment Act 2011- Article 28 (1) Dog attacking livestock a Maximum Fine of £1,000 can be imposed.
Anyone with any information or seeking any advice on this issue, is asked to contact the Council directly at 028 71253253.
Tags: