The Irish Natura & Hill Farmers Association (INHFA) is sounding the alarm over the escalating crisis of dog attacks on livestock across Ireland’s hills and farmlands. As part of this they have developed a petition with a book of evidence that they have sent to the Government and European Parliament.
This petition calls for a National DNA Register, Stricter Legislation, and Government-Led Enforcement.
INHFA Vice President John Joe Fitzgerald outlined how these attacks are not only increasing in frequency, but are becoming disturbingly vicious, leaving farmers feeling abandoned, disrespected, and unprotected by a government that continues to treat them as second-class citizens.
On our hills Fitzgerald detailed how “law and order is breaking down and we are seeing some recreational users with dogs, showing blatant disregard for the safety of farm animals and the rights of landowners.”
This he added “cannot continue and it is important that everyone understands this, which is why we are taking action.”
As part of this action INHFA are he continued “demanding a co-ordinated national response
that includes:
- Mandatory licensing, microchipping, and DNA sampling of all dogs.
- Creation of a centralised database under the remit of the Department of Agriculture.
- One-off government subsidy to cover the cost of DNA sampling, with a clear time limit to encourage compliance.
- Zero-tolerance policy for non-compliance after the deadline—comparable to driving an uninsured vehicle.
- Legislation banning non-working dogs from hills and farmlands. This law must:
- Carry criminal penalties and fines for offenders.
- Remove any ambiguity around access with dogs.”
These actions can Fitzgerald stated “deliver much better outcomes in terms of dog control, but will also need adequate enforcement backed up with a renewed focus on education.”
With regard to enforcement the INHFA vice-president stated how “current enforcement is virtually non-existent which is why we are demanding:
- Stronger penalties, real enforcement—not a “slap on the wrist” approach.
- Judicial zero-tolerance: Courts and judges must take livestock attacks seriously and hold dog owners fully accountable.
- Roaming patrol units made up of Gardaí, dog wardens, and NPWS rangers to patrol tourist hotspots, trails, and walkways.
- These patrols can be funded through a tourism levy and rural development funds, which have so far supported outdoor access projects with no checks or protections for the farming community.
- A dramatic increase in the number of dog wardens as the current level of one per county is completely inadequate.”
Fitzgerald then focused on the need for improved awareness and education and called for a national education campaign
· In schools, to teach future generations about responsible dog ownership.
· In the tourism industry, so visitors understand and respect landowner rights and animal safety.
In concluding Fitzgerald stressed that this is not an overreaction— “it is a plea for basic protections and equal treatment. Our animals are suffering. Our communities are suffering. We’ve been ignored long enough. This legislation will send a clear, unambiguous message and challenge those who refuse to respect farming families, property rights, and the law. The Government needs to act now—not later—and work directly with farmers to create new laws, enforce them, and prioritise education.”