One of the main farm organisations, the Irish Cattle and Sheep Farmers' Association, has called for all dogs to be microchipped.
ICSA called for a change to the existing dog-control legislation so that it would mirror the law that came into force in Northern Ireland in April of this year. All dogs north of the border must now have a microchip.
The chairman of the ICSA sheep committee, Paul Brady, said the threat from dogs is deeper than just sheep worrying.
He said microchipping helps local councils and wardens to deal with dangerous, out of control and possibly diseased dogs which pose a danger to everyone.
Mr Brady said that in the last few months, several children have been attacked by dogs in Limerick, Clare, Donegal and elsewhere, and a stronger regime of control is needed to promote more responsible dog ownership for everyone's benefit.
