The IFA wants stronger action to be taken to deal with the ongoing problem of marauding dog attacks on sheep flocks.
IFA National Sheep Chairman John Lynskey says that with the darker evenings and nights this time of year, dog attacks increase
He says some of these attacks have been vicious with defenceless sheep flocks savaged by marauding dogs inflicting terrible suffering and pain, and in many cases death on the sheep.
He warned that dog owners can be held responsible for any losses involved in sheep attacks.
85% of dogs are now microchipped, according to the Department of Agriculture.
But Mr Lynskey says a single database must be introduced as well as controls on change of ownership so as all owners are held accountable.
Statistics collated by IFA indicate that the problem of dog attacks on sheep may be in the order of 300 to 400 attacks per annum, with 3,000 to 4,000 sheep injured and killed.
An average of 11 sheep are killed or injured per attack.
