In a letter addressed to Monday’s Irish Times, Thomas Westropp Bennett, a former Captain in the 39th Regiment residing in Ballymurphy, Limerick, highlights a pressing issue affecting the county – the depredations caused by dogs on sheep. Mr Bennett calls for the attention of legislators to address this “crying grievance” that has been plaguing the region for the past two months. He points out that country people in the area keep beagles for hare hunting, and these dogs, upon hearing the hunting sounds, gather in packs and attack sheep and other livestock. Furthermore, they are joined by mongrel sheep dogs that seem to enjoy hunting sheep as well. The unfortunate consequences of this situation have led some people to give up breeding sheep altogether. Mr Bennett urges authorities to take action and proposes measures such as compulsory locking up or chaining of dogs at night, providing compensation to those whose sheep are destroyed, similar to the case of malicious injuries, and advocating for the destruction of any dog found involved in sheep-worrying. The concerned citizen’s letter emphasizes the urgency to address this issue and protect the livelihoods of those affected in the region.

Limerick Echo – Tuesday 21 March 1905