Devastation after sheep mauled by dogs in west Mayo

Two flocks of sheep which were attacked by dogs early on Friday morning near Louisburgh resulted in at least two sheep being mauled to death while a number of others are being treated for their injuries.

Sheep farmers in Louisburgh have appealed for dog owners to keep their animals under control after a number of sheep were attacked by up to two dogs early on Friday morning.

The incident occurred in the townland of Moneen along the main road close to Louisburgh when two flocks of sheep in neighbouring fields were attacked by dogs. A local farmer came upon the scene while some of the sheep were being attacked and managed to prevent further kills.

It is believed that the dogs responsible for the attacks were husky type dogs and the local gardaí and the dog warden were notified and investigating the kill.

Local councillor Chris Maxwell said that attack was devastating for the farmers involved as it is the beginning of the breeding season and there was concern locally that more flocks will be hit.

“It is an awful sight to witness and it is just devastating for the farmer and see his livelihood affected by this. There are a number of sheep in this locality and there is concern among other farmers that their sheep might be next.

“It was a brutal attack. There were two if not three killed while another suffered a broken leg while others had their skin broken and they are being treated by the vet. It is breeding season now and it is a total disaster for the farmer,” he told The Mayo News.

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The Independent Ireland councillor said that while there have been incidents of dogs chasing sheep, this was the worst sheep kill for a long time in the Louisburgh area. He reiterated the call made by farming organisations that dogs are under control at all times as they are capable of causing damage to flocks.

Sheep were left bloodied and injured following the attack by dogs

“People need to be aware that no matter what happens dogs need to be under control. It can be the nicest dog but remember when he gets out of control anything can happen with them. The sad thing is when they do it once they can do it again and that is the most distressing part of it.

“The breeding season has just started and the flock owners around Louisburgh are awfully worried that this can happen again. It is an awful situation to be in for them.

“It was a sad sight to see. The IFA and INHFA are always calling for more controls on dogs because they are more concerned that these attacks are happening more and more with the increased ownership of dogs. People need to be aware that dogs are lovely but they can cause destruction and they need to be under control at all times,” he said.