Minister for Agriculture Martin Heydon has said he would be in favour of increased fines for dog owners who do not keep their dogs under control in public spaces.
It comes as the minister today launched a public awareness campaign to encourage dog owners to act responsibly and ensure effective dog control during lambing season.
There are around 2.6 million breeding sheep in Ireland and 2024 saw a 4% increase in the number of livestock worrying incidents reported to local authorities.
The number of animals attacked, maimed, killed, or put down as a result of attacks also increased.
Minister Heydon said livestock worrying is a "huge concern in the farming community" and that he is "determined to ensure this critical issue becomes embedded in the consciousness of dog owners, and ensure that dog owners understand their responsibility and the significant damage a dog can do to a flock if uncontrolled.
"You simply cannot bring your dog for a walk out in the country and just let it roam. This is an issue of huge importance, to the community as a whole and to all those responsible for animals, including the farming sector and pet owners," he added.
The Department of Agriculture is awaiting the findings of a high-level report for recommendations, which could include increasing fines for offending dog owners, which the minister said he "would be in favour of".
Currently, the fine for someone who is not in effective control of their dog is €300.
Minister Heydon said: "We need to tackle the amount of dogs that are not being microchipped and the latest figures from 2024 indicate 56% of stray dogs entering local authority pounds in 2024 were not microchipped, this needs to change."
Local authorities are responsible for enforcing legislation around the control of dogs and receive around €2 million annually from the Department to do so.
They have the power to appoint dog wardens, provide dog shelters, seize dogs, impose on-the-spot fines, and take court proceedings against owners.
The 'It's not your dog’s fault. It’s Yours’ campaign was launched in partnership with the Irish Natura and Hill Farmers Association (INHFA).
INHFA President Pheilim Molloy said "concern around dog attacks on sheep is an ongoing issue for INHFA members that we have highlighted and campaigned on over the last number of years.
"As we move into lambing season it is vital that all dog owners ensure their dogs are controlled both day and night and we hope this campaign will help instil this message."
