Need for compulsory dog microchipping
ICSA
The Irish Cattle and Sheep Farmers’ Association (ICSA) has renewed its call for the introduction of compulsory microchipping for all dogs, in light of a number of extremely distressing dog attacks on sheep in several parts of the country.
ICSA sheep committee chairperson Paul Brady said, “There has been a worrying number of horrific incidents of dogs killing and seriously injuring sheep, including pregnant ewes, in recent weeks. Apart from the pain and stress inflicted on the animals, each one of these attacks represents serious distress and financial loss to the farmer involved and it is now beyond doubt that action is needed to address the problem of out-of-control dogs.
“ICSA has argued several times that the correct solution is to change the legislation, to allow for the introduction of compulsory microchipping of all dogs. This would also bring our law into line with the law in Northern Ireland, where all dogs must be microchipped. Microchipping is already used by most responsible dog owners for traceability purposes. It must be emphasised that this system would need to be backed up by a well-organised central database monitored by a State authority.”
He said out of control dogs were also dangerous to children and microchipping would not only help identify the owners of these animals it would also ensure that the owners of any lost animals could be traced.
“ICSA sees this as the best solution to this highly emotive and distressing problem. We are confident that those who truly value their pets and working dogs will see this as a progressive initiative, designed to safeguard dogs and prevent distress, injury and death,” he maintained.
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Weather for Carrick-on-Shannon, Ireland
Friday 24 May 2013
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