Attention Dog Owners - Lambing season will soon begin again

Every year in Monaghan, there are many attacks on sheep by dogs, particularly around lambing time. Most dog attacks occur early in the morning, between 5am and 7am.
These attacks result in sheep and lambs dying from their injuries, lambs being aborted, and stock not thriving for fear of further attacks. 
These attacks result in serious losses for the farmer, including veterinary fees, disposal of dead animals, the value of the dead sheep and lambs, as well as stock not thriving. 
Any dog, large or small, may become involved in attacking sheep - MAKE SURE YOUR DOG DOESN’T GET THE CHANCE!
If you own a dog or dogs, you are required, under the Control of Dogs Act, 1986-1992,  to:

• Keep your dog under control at all times.  This means not allowing your dog off your property unaccompanied and making sure your dog is enclosed or securely tied at night.
• Ensure that every dog under your control wears a collar bearing the name and address of the owner at all times and that the name and address are legible.
• Have a current licence for each dog in your possession or a general dog licence to cover all dogs in your possession.    

PLEASE KEEP YOUR DOG LICENCED, TAGGED AND UNDER CONTROL
Brendan Smyth
Co. Veterinary Officer
7th January 2010