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17 pregnant sheep KILLED in attack - Farmer believes hunting dogs to blame
16 December 2020

A Waterford farmer has said he believes hunting dogs are responsible for an attack at the weekend which left 17 sheep dead and six more with broken legs.

That’s Farming is reporting today that “A Waterford-based farmer has lost almost one-quarter of his 100-strong sheep flock in a vicious dog attack.”

Eithan Harty of Ballinamult, Co. Waterford, outlined that 17 pregnant ewes were killed and others were later euthanised.

“I discovered dogs had attacked my flock with 17 dead in the field,” he was quoted as saying. “I had to put down three. In addition, I have another six in the shed with broken legs and marks from dogs. Meanwhile, the rest of my sheep are terrified.”

He condemned reckless dog owners and referred in particular to those using dogs for hunting.

“People out hunting shouldn’t be leaving dogs behind them, and this shows the damage those dogs can cause in one night,” he stated. “I have reason to believe that this was caused by dogs that were brought out for hunting purposes as my fences were knocked and broken to access a badger set. A dog can’t do that.”

He said that other ewes injured in the attack are getting treatment but that it’s not certain they will survive. He added: “it is very likely a large number of ewes have aborted.”

The attack took place on Sunday 13th December and has been reported to the Gardai.

ICABS has also brought it to the attention of the National Parks and Wildlife Service as it is an offence to interfere with a badger sett.

Read the full That’s Farming report at thatsfarming.com

Find out how to keep hunters off your land and what to do if a trespass occurs

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