Minister responds after sheep attack reported in Maughold
The Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture says it is committed to ensuring people responsible for attacks on livestock are held to account.
It follows a reported dog attack on a sheep in Maughold.
The incident was reported at the weekend by the General Secretary of the Manx National Farmers' Union - Sarah Comish.
In a post on social media she expressed her frustration, saying it had happened in the same area as another attack earlier in the year by what is thought to be the same large dog.
She said: 'Though the matter has been reported to the police, yet again there is little appetite to do anything to prevent or support.
'It is so frustrating' she said 'that despite doing a huge amount of work at the farmers union with members, and the animals heath team to draft stronger legislation around protecting livestock from dog attacks, giving police and courts better power to investigate and prosecute those responsible, there's no political will from the Environment, Food and Agriculture Minister or any other minister to do anything about it'.
She added: 'Other jurisdictions are moving forward but I guess farming is an abstract concept for Tynwald these days'.
In response, DEFA Minister Claire Barber says: "It is disturbing to hear of a further incident of livestock worrying, such incidents are distressing for farmers and cause unnecessary and avoidable suffering to animals.
"The Island does have legislation in place that provides powers for the police to investigate and take enforcement action. However ongoing conversations with the MNFU have led to my Department committing in its Department Plan, published last week, to consult on the matter of sheep worrying.
"It is important that we are confident that we are doing all that we can to prevent and prosecute attacks of this nature. Protecting livestock is a shared responsibility, and we remain committed to working with the farming community, police and other partners to ensure those responsible for these attacks are held to account.
"The Isle of Man Constabulary confirmed has it is aware of this matter and will investigate all reported instances in conjunction with other agencies."
As for the fate of the sheep attacked in Maughold - Mrs Comish has provided an update saying 'she's in and being sorted, the dog has attacked her face but hopefully she will have no lasting damage'.
Proposed EV charging facility at airport to cost around £415,000
Watchdog challenges Cabinet Office block on £2m staff payouts data
Storm Amy: Gales continue to hit the Island
Thirty bus services 'at risk' this weekend