Farmers and members of the public alike are being urged to report all instances of aggressive dog behaviour in the county.
It comes as Clare has recorded the highest total of physical injuries caused by dog attacks nationwide in 2022.
Dog Owners are being reminded of their responsibilities when they’re controlling their pets in public spaces.
It comes as the Local Authority’s Dog Control Statistics Report for 2022 reveals 49 people were injured or had their clothing damaged in canine attacks in Clare.
The figure was the highest recorded nationwide and is prompting concern amongst various stakeholders in the county over public safety.
Approximately 3,434 dog licences were issued in Clare last year, however a Clare farmer believes many owners are slipping through the cracks.
Nine instances of livestock worrying were reported here last year, all of which related to sheep, although the true figure is understood to be significantly higher.
The Cratloe based General Secretary of the Irish Cattle and Sheep Farmers Association, Eddie Punch says farmers never truly recover from the traumatic consequences of livestock fatalities.
He believes dog owners need to be responsible for the whereabouts of their pets morning, noon and night.
However Clare’s County Dog Warden believes shortfalls in Irish law are contributing to the prevalence of aggressive behaviour.
Only Dog owners and the courts can order the destruction of unlicensed dogs following attacks on people or livestock.
In instances on private property meanwhile, intervention can only occur on the invitation of the homeowner.
County Dog Warden Frankie Coote says however that in all cases, the onus is on pet owners to raise their concerns to authorities as soon as possible.
You can listen to the full report below.
