A review on current laws around dogs attacking sheep needs to be reviewed, according to Sinn Fein.
It's claimed over 3,000 sheep are attacked by dogs every year, with the Department of Rural Affairs adding that 253 incidents of 'Livestock Worrying' were reported to local authorities in 2019.
20 sheep were killed in such an attack on a farm in West Waterford last year.
The Rural Affairs Minister Heather Humphreys said in a statement that dog owners must take responsibility for their animals, especially coming up to lambing season.
Sinn Féin's Agriculture spokesperson believes a review into current laws needs to be carried out: "We need to see if additional enforcement of those responsibilities of dog owners and increased protections for farmers can be identified and put in place.
"I don't think it's good enough to simply suggest that the legislative protections that are in place are sufficient because they're not - sheep are continuing to be attacked."
IFA Chairperson for County Waterford Kevin Kiersey feels a law would be very difficult to introduce a law:
"No matter what laws you bring in, you need to be certain of the dogs that are attacking the livestock and also identify the owners of the dogs. The only option that is there for farmers, is that if they see dogs in at their own stock that they take their own action.
"The responsibility really is on the dog owners, to ensure their dogs don't prowl."
