An investigation is underway after two dogs escaped from a pound in Longford and carried out further attacks on sheep in the county.
The two St Bernard dogs had previously been seized by Longford County Council and the Gardaí following previous attacks in the area.
The Council's Dog Control Service, with the assistance of An Garda Siochana, seized the dogs following sheep-worrying incidents on two farms.
The dogs were brought to the Council's pound but escaped from their enclosure.
Longford County Council says it is now looking in to how this may have happened.
Another attack was reported on a third farm to which the Dog Control Service responded.
In total, 21 ewes were killed, while 34 lambs were killed, injured or are still missing.
Eight have been receiving veterinary attention since the incident on Friday afternoon.
Longford County Council can confirm that the dogs involved in the serious attacks on the sheep are now deceased.
Longford County Council extends its sincere sympathy to the farmers and landowners who suffered severe losses because of attacks on sheep by two St Bernard dogs.
Lambing season is a high-risk time for sheep flocks, it says, and these incidents have caused significant distress and financial damage.
The Council has reminded reminded all dog owners that they must always keep their animals under control.
Dogs should be on a lead when out walking, and secure fencing is essential at home.
