Garda warning following sheep kill

Gardaí in Cavan have warned all dog owners to manage and control their canines following a reported sheep kill in the south of the county.
The authorities are investigating an incident reported to them after its claimed dogs attacked and killed a total of nine sheep and lambs in the townland of Ardleny near Kilnaleck earlier this month.
It follows a similar warning issued by the Irish Farmers Association (IFA) after similar incidents were reported elsewhere in the country.
The IFA believe there are between 300 and 400 attacks by dogs on sheep each year. An average of 11 sheep are killed or injured per attack resulting in up to 4,000 sheep falling victim to dog attacks annually.
A spokesperson for Cavan gardaí reminded dog owners they have an obligation to ensure their pets are under control at all times, and that they can be held responsible for losses incurred by dog attacks, with potentially serious financial and legal consequences.