With lambing season just around the corner, An Garda Síochána is reminding dog owners to keep pets under control.

This comes after an increase in sheep worrying over the pass couple weeks. Farmer representatives have appealed to all dog owners to take responsibility of their dogs.

This is a critical time of the year for farmers; dog owners are fully liable for any damages their dog inflicts to farmers and their livestock.

The legislation allows landowners who find a stray or loose dog on their land to shoot the dog.

An Garda Síochána is urging dog owners to control their pets, not to allow then to roam free, and to keep dogs away from lambing ewes as they can become easily stressed.

In a social media post, An Garda Síochána stated:

These are some facts around sheep worrying, according to An Garda Síochána:

Over 3,000 sheep are killed or injured each year by dogs;
Sheep are valuable assets, any harm to them harms a farmer's livelihood;
It is in every dog's nature to chase, even if they are usually obedient and good around other animals;
Chasing dogs can do serious damage to sheep, even if the dog doesn't catch them, the stress of worrying caused by dogs can cause sheep to die and ewes to miscarry their lambs;
If you live in or near a farming area, you must make sure that your dog cannot escape your property as it may find its way onto land containing sheep;
When in or near fields containing livestock, keep your dog on a lead and under control at all times.

Gardaí are advising the public to report sightings of out of control dogs to any local garda station.