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EXCLUSIVE

By Sean Moriarty

MacGillycuddy Reeks European Innovation Partnership Project has issued a warning about the dangers of bringing dogs in to Killarney or any National Park. With the 5km travel restriction set to lift on April 26 Partnership officials are concerned that there may be an increase in the number of people who visit the area.

They are asking people to leave their dogs at home as they pose a risk to sheep and other animals in the area.

“Since the COVID-19 restrictions, and particularly during this lockdown, we have seen an increase in the numbers of people out walking with their dogs on private property who are ignoring signs stating dogs are not allowed,” said project manager Patricia Deane. “We are again appealing to all walkers, not just in the MacGillycuddy Reeks but across all the country to please respect the farmers and landowners whose land you are on and do not bring your dog. Many of these areas are farmed landscapes with livestock present. Sheep are valuable assets and any harm to them harms a farmer’s livelihood. It is every dog’s instinct to chase, even if they are usually obedient and good with other animals.”

She said that ewes frightened by the presence of dogs could mismother resulting in lambs dying, dog bites can cause death in sheep or necessitate them being put down at a later date, or in less severe cases considerable veterinary bills and additional welfare issues as a result of flies being attracted to the blood.

“It is an offence to allow a dog to worry sheep. Worrying includes attacking or chasing sheep and, in some circumstances, farmers are legally entitled to shoot dogs if they are endangering their sheep," she added.