Lambs and sheep mauled by dogs near Claremorris

Lambs and sheep mauled by dogs near Claremorris


Michael Commins
michaelcommins@mayonews.ie

MEMBERS of the farming community are again pleading with dog owners to make sure they are housed, especially at night time, during the lambing scene. Last week, marauding dogs mauled lambs and sheep  on three farms in the Murneen, Ballintaffy and Coolacht areas between Claremorris and Kiltimagh.
Local farmer Pat Sweeny lost eight lambs and two sheep while a number of lambs were also slaughtered on two nearby farms. “It’s the worst nightmare for any farmer. One of my neighbours rang to say there was a shocking sight on the land. When I got there, it was a pure and utter disaster.
“Some of the lambeens were dead and others half dead. It was dreadful. Some of the sheep were in the drains, stuck and shaking with fright. In all, eight lambeens died and two ewes while another will be lucky if she makes it through.”
Despite all the warnings to dog owners, Pat says there are some who just don’t want to listen. “How many times have they been told to keep their dogs under control? They have been warned time and time again. And still it happens, they don’t have a clue where their dogs go at nighttime. Dogs are deadly at this time of the year. It’s one of the saddest sights you can see out on the land is harmless sheep torn apart by dogs. Make sure dogs are kept in at night.”


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