COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

MEETING OF SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

Monday, March 14, 2011

QUESTION NO. 1

QUESTION: Councillor C. Keane

To ask the Manager for an up to date report on the Dog Pound used by this council -1.  the facilities available,     2. no. of inspections carried out in the last 3 years -   3.  results of same;   4. total nos. of dogs in pound used by SDCC - 5. and conditions laid down in legislation to ensure dogs have habitable happy homes when in pound also staff ratio etc. etc.     6. Nos. of dogs impounded in 2010 in SDCC administrative area & statistics to compare with 3 previous years;  7 Nos. of Dog wardens employed by SDCC; Nos. of Dogs in SDCC admin. area - with licence;  and without licence (if there is any way of checking this?). 8. The administrative & operative cost to this council for the past 3 years?

REPLY:

The Council's Dog Pound is located in Dunboyne County Meath. The total no of dogs impounded by the Council in the last four years are as follows:

(a)    2007 - 1097 no.

(b)    2008 - 920 no.

(c)    2009 - 920 no.

(d)    2010 - 836 no.

(e)    2011 (at 02/3/11)  - 105 no impounded

Inspections:

There were 28 inspections carried out by the Council's Veterinary Staff of the pound during 2008, 2009 and 2010.  The pound has also been inspected in January, February and March of this year.  There are currently three full-time staff working at the pound.  The numbers of dogs varies - at the time of the most recent inspection there were 9 dogs present (highest number counted during an inspection was 20 dogs).  Structurally, the pound is satisfactory.  All kennels contain a  bed and blanket.  In addition, each individual kennel is provided with an infra red heating lamp.  Each individual kennel is large enough to accommodate all breeds and sizes of dogs.  The standard of sanitation is satisfactory with the pound being visibly clean at all times.  From an animal welfare point of view, the dogs appear to be well looked after and cared for and as the pound is operated by a Veterinary Surgeon, prompt veterinary assistance is available at all times.

Over the three year period in question, the only issue that has arisen is damage to part of the roof during the recent bad snow.  Temporary measures have been put in place to remedy this until such time as the damage is permanently repaired.  The damage to the roof has not had any affect on the dogs at the times of the inspections.  The total number of kennels at the pound is 35.

There are no set ratios in relation to number of staff/dog laid out in legislation and the structural requirements for animal shelters are not set out in detail in legislation either.  However, in the opinion of the County Veterinary Officer the facilities and level of staffing in place at the pound are satisfactory.

The Council currently employs two full time Dog Wardens.  There are currently 11,147 valid dog licences on the system.  South Dublin County Council do not have the figures for the nos. of Dogs without licences.  However, the Dog Wardens issue fines to owners who do not possess a current dog licence.  The no. of fines issued to owners without a valid licence in the last three years are as follows:

(a)   2008 - 644 no.

(b)  2009  - 715 no.

(c)  2010 - 758 no.

(b) 2011 (at 31/1/11) - 67 no.

The costs to the Council for the operation and administration of the service for the last three years is as follows:-

2008 -  €396,643

2009 -  €474,361

2010 -  €388, 747