Sheep Attack At Kindlestown Wood

Know your dog…

espite an impassioned annual appeal by Wicklow farmers, not everyone around here recognises the danger a dog can be to sheep.

Kinnane’s fields 16AUG22

As highlighted at 8.15am this morning, when one Guide reader witnessed a black dog attacking a flock up beside Kindlestown Wood.

Taking place in Kinnane’s fields on the north side of the woods, the witness saw the dog “tearing lumps out of a couple of sheep and scaring the hell out of the rest of them” before being chased back in the direction of the woods.

The man who tends to the sheep, Seamus Nolan, arrived shortly, stating that someone’s pooch was lucky he didn’t have his gun with him.

According to the witness, the dog appeared to be a “dark-haired setter of some sort, with a red collar”.

The Wicklow Irish Farmers Assocation

While the vast majority of dog owners are very responsible, the reckless and irresponsible behaviour of a minority results in dog attacks on sheep continuing to be a major issue.

And, as John Malone of the Wicklow Cheviot Sheep Owners Association has pointed out, sheep farmers are entitled under law to protect their livestock – and this allows for the shooting of a dog worrying or about to worry their sheep.

It goes without saying, some people around here are happily oblivious as to what their little darlings get up to. And their dogs too.

So, when it comes to venturing out into the wilds, says Malone, “dogs being taken on walks in area where livestock might be grazing should always be kept on leashes or otherwise controlled”.