Four ewes died after attack by Alsatian dogs in Achill, court told

Four ewes died after they were attacked by two Alsatian dogs that broke free from their leash while being walked near commonage on Achill Island.

The dog's owner, Mark Kulendrai, Sion Hill, Castlebar, pleaded guilty at a sitting of Achill District Court to several breaches of the Control of Dogs Act, including worrying of livestock, failing to keep a dog securely muzzled and failing to keep the dog on a chain or leash.

Garda Keith Deane told the court that on August 7, 2024, Kulendrai and his daughter were walking two Alsatian dogs on a leash in the Achill area.

A hare came into view and the two dogs bolted across the Keel Sandybanks, where sheep were grazing. Kulendrai was knocked to the ground as the dogs ran away from him.

The dogs attacked four ewes. The ewes were later treated by a vet but had to be euthanised.

Garda Deane said the dogs were wearing no muzzle which is required for this breed under the Act. The total cost of damage to the livestock, the removal of the carcasses and vet bills came to €1,044.40.

The court was told that Kulendrai has no previous convictions.

Solicitor Mr. Gary Mulchrone said his client is a social care worker who had never come to garda attention before.

He had made a mistake by bringing both dogs out at once, and since this incident, both dogs are not taken out at the same time.

The solicitor added that both dogs had been muzzled but when they got away, the muzzle and leash broke apart.

Kulendrai has since bought new muzzles that are separate from the leash and more secure. Compensation of €1,050 has been paid to the victim.

Judge Vincent Deane sought a victim impact statement from the owner of the sheep and adjourned the case to July 9 next.

* Funded by the Courts Reporting Scheme.