Dogs Savagely Attack Sheep in Robert's Cove

(JJ Hurley)

Lilian Gash was left counting the cost of a savage attack by several dogs on a prized flock of sheep on Friday morning in Robert’s Cove.

The alarm was raised by her sister, who lives near the area where the sheep were grazing, after she became concerned at the excessive amount of barking.

Lilian rushed to the scene with her own sheepdog, which chased away the unwelcome visitors.

Having surveyed the scene, which she described as simply “carnage”, Lilian contacted the Gardaí and a vet before getting in touch with the dog warden.

Describing the incident as her worst nightmare, several of her recently born lambs look unlikely to make a recovery, including her first pedigree lamb.

“You hear of this happening up the country, but you never expect it to come to your door,” Lilian remarked.

“People must ensure that their dogs are secured at night and are not left to roam around the countryside.”

The effects of the attack may have additional consequences, especially for the ewes that have yet to lamb.

In addition, Lilian is gravely concerned because the sheep are so traumatised by the attack that there is a strong possibility it could lead to the animals suffering heart attacks.

With the vet describing some of the bite marks as very wide and deep, Lilian is deeply upset by the experience as she reflects on the scene that met her in the field on Friday morning.

“It was like a war zone—there were sheep bleeding, sheep scattered across the field unable to move, lambs on the ditches, and ewes looking for their lambs,” she said.

“It’s a sight the owners of these dogs must take responsibility for.”

Paying tribute to her neighbours and friends in the Robert’s Cove area, Lilian said, “I can’t thank them enough, as they really did rally around me.

“At a time like this, I really appreciated the support they gave me, as it has been a tough few days.”

She also praised the response of the Gardaí and the dog warden, who have begun detailed investigations in the area to see if those responsible can be identified.

The concern is that once dogs have attacked, they may continue to do so, and there is an urgency to identify them.

It is possible that the owners of the offending dogs are unaware that their pets were involved in the attack, and all owners are reminded that dogs must be kept under control and not allowed to roam freely.

Anyone with any information can contact the Gardaí in Carrigaline or Kinsale in the strictest confidence.

A reminder that the attack took place last Friday morning between 6am and 7am.