Dog owners are being urged to look after their pets as lambing season approaches.
It’s estimated over 3000 sheep are injured or killed each year by dogs.
Gardaí are warning that it is every dog’s instinct to chase, even if they are usually obedient.
Chasing can do serious damage to sheep, even if the dog doesn’t catch them.
The stress of worrying can cause sheep to die and ewes to miscarry their lambs.
Dog owners that live in or near a farming area must make sure that their pets cannot escape the property as it may find its way onto land containing sheep.
They are also being encouraged to keep them on a lead and under control at all times when walking in or near fields containing livestock.
An Garda Síochána say dog owners have a responsibility to secure their dog, have it microchipped and registered with a vet.
