*The images contained at the bottom this article are distressing but we have published them to show what can happen when livestock are attacked by dogs*
A Laois farmer is pleading with dog owners to secure their pets after a number of his sheep were brutally killed.
The farmer, who wishes to remain anonymous but is based in the Rathdowney area, shared pictures with LaoisToday of the aftermath of the attack.
Five ewes and four lambs were mauled and the farmer wishes to highlight what happened in a bid to ensure it doesn’t happen to someone else.
He said: “The sheep were located on the outer part of the farm and I was with them on Saturday.
“When I went back on Sunday, I found their bodies. Five ewes and four lambs who has suffered horrific deaths.
“It is a very distressing sight and the cost to me is about €1,500 in total.
“The dog or dogs involved went for their necks and their heads. The sheep who survived are now very worried and in a terrible state.
“The months of March and April are lambing season and I am pleading with dog owners to help us farmers.
“Please lock up your dogs whenever they are not with you. Please make sure they are secure.
“Please help us so that we don’t lose any more animals in this way.”
Fine Gael Councillor John King echoed the farmers calls for dog owners to do more.
Cllr King said: “Dog owners must be vigilant in order to stop this from happening.
“The death of sheep is one thing, but the damage done to those that survive is just as serious.
“If the dogs pull the wool off a sheep, they can damage blood vessels which can result in cloths of blood and severe pain.
“Then there is the mental damage. An attack like that can traumatise other ewes that are in that flock – affecting their pregnancies.
“They become worried all of the time and will run in all directions at the sight or sound of a dog.”
Just last week, Gardai issued a warning to dog owners asking them to secure their pets now that lambing season is underway.
A spokesperson said: “An Garda Síochána in Laois and Offaly are reminding dog owners of the harm their pets can cause if let roam free or unsecured and not kept under effectual control.
“With dog ownership comes responsibility. Secure your dog, have it microchipped and registered with your vet.
“This time of year we see issues with sheep kills when dogs attack livestock.
“Dogs should not be allowed roam. It is lambing season. Please keep your family pet under effectual control.”
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