Ireland to issue €300 on-the-spot fines for sheep worrying

Dog owners in Ireland who fail to keep their dogs under control around livestock will face €300 (£263) on-the-spot fines from 1 December.

The Irish Farmers Association (IFA) welcomed the new rules, but said stronger regulations and funding for dog control are needed to protect livestock from dog attacks.

The National Sheep Association (NSA) said it would like to see a similar approach adopted in the UK, where England, Scotland and Wales each has their own legislation on livestock worrying with varying penalties for offenders.