Sunday 1 November 2026Compiled from published reports. Every claim links to its source.

Ireland Crime

Every case followed from the first report to the sentence, or to where the reporting stopped.

Case No. 23066Animal welfare (dog attack on livestock) · Co. Tipperary · 27 Dec 2022

70 sheep killed in savage dog attack on farm in Lorrha, Tipperary

Farmer Donal O'Donoghue discovered 70 sheep dead, 20 injured and five missing after a savage dog attack on his flock on rented land in Ballymacegan, Lorrha, County Tipperary, on 27 December 2022. Gardaí in Nenagh are investigating the incident, which is estimated to have caused at least €12,000 in losses.

  1. Reported4 Jan
  2. Arrested
  3. Charged
  4. In court
  5. Verdict
  6. Sentenced
reportedhappened, not reportedlatest stagenot yet

Key facts

consolidated from all reports
14 statements extracted from the articles
  • what70 sheep were killed, 20 more injured and five missing in the dog attack. (tipperarylive.ie)
  • what45 sheep were killed outright in the attack. (tipperarylive.ie)
  • whatAnother 20 sheep had to be put down because most had their eyes and faces ripped away. (tipperarylive.ie)
  • whatFour more sheep died on Sunday 1 January 2023. (tipperarylive.ie)
  • what16 sheep had less severe injuries and were injected by a vet to protect against infection. (tipperarylive.ie)
  • whatThe financial loss is estimated at at least €12,000. (tipperarylive.ie)
  • whatThe sheep killed in this manner are not covered under the farmer's insurance policy. (tipperarylive.ie)
  • whatThe farmer believes more than one dog was involved in the attack. (tipperarylive.ie)
  • what43 hoggets escaped the attack and are terrified. (tipperarylive.ie)
  • whereThe attack occurred on rented land in Ballymacegan, Lorrha. (tipperarylive.ie)
  • whenThe farmer discovered the carnage on the morning of 27 December 2022. (tipperarylive.ie)
  • investigationGardaí in Nenagh are investigating the incident. (tipperarylive.ie)
  • otherIFA sheep chairman Kevin Comiskey said stronger regulation around dog ownership was needed. (tipperarylive.ie)
  • otherLocal Cllr Michael O'Meara said the powers to control dogs must be strengthened through the Dáil. (tipperarylive.ie)

The reporting

newest first
  1. 4 Jan2023
    Reportedtipperarylive.ie, first report
    Tipp sheep kill 'like something out of a horror film' after being savagely attacked by dogs

    Detailed account from the farmer describing the attack, the extent of carnage, financial losses, and calls from the farmer, IFA and local councillor for stronger dog regulation and powers for Gardaí and Dog Wardens.

    victim, Donal O'Donoghue, male, irish (judged from name)Donal O'Donoghuevictim, Nuala O'Donoghue, female, irish (judged from name)Nuala O'Donoghue