COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL
MEETING OF SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL
Monday, March 12, 2018
QUESTION NO.35
QUESTION: Councillor M. Ward
To ask the Chief Executive to provide a list of what dog pounds it uses, what level of inspection on these pounds is carries out, does the Council carry out unannounced inspections, and to give a statement on this matter?
REPLY:
Under the Control of Dogs Act 1986, as amended by the Control of Dogs (Amendment) Act 1992, local authorities are responsible for the control of dogs.
They have the power to appoint dog wardens, provide dog shelters, seize dogs, impose on-the-spot fines and take court proceedings against owners.
Section 15 of the Control of Dogs Act 1986, as amended, outlines the duties of a local authority with Section 15 (1) providing for the employment of one or more persons to be dog wardens.
In this matter South Dublin County Council has in its employment, two (2) fulltime dog wardens. The wardens duties include inter alia, the seizure of dogs and their detention in order to ascertain whether an offence under the Act is being or has been committed. Wardens may enter any premises (other than a dwelling) for the purposes of such seizure and detention.
All dogs over 4 months of age must have a license. Similarly dogs must, at all times, wear a collar that bears the name and the address of the owner inscribed on it or on a plate, badge or disc.
Stray dogs are dogs that are in a public place and are not accompanied by the owner or a responsible person. Dogs that are not under proper control are also considered stray dogs.
At the end of 2017 a total of
- 453 stray dogs entered to the pound.
- 130 dogs were surrendered by their owner
- 8 dogs were seized under S 22 (Dangerous Dogs)
- 144 dogs were reclaimed
- 70 dogs were rehomed
- 264 dogs were transferred to dog welfare groups
- 61 dogs were euthanised
- 2 dogs died of natural causes
- 8840 dog owners held current licences for their dogs.
At 28th February 2018 a total of 96 dogs were seized while 8387 current dog licences were held.
Section 15 (2) provides for the establishment and maintenance of "one or more shelters for dogs seized, accepted or detained under any of the provisions of this Act" and authorises the local authority to "enter into arrangements with any person for the provision and maintenance of such shelters and for the exercise by such person of the functions of the local authority under this Act, in respect of the acceptance, detention, disposal and destruction of stray and unwanted dogs".
Accordingly, in advance of expiry of the existing contract for such services, on 27th March 2017 South Dublin County Council, Fingal County Council and Dublin City Council jointly invited tenders for the provision of a dog pound service for South Dublin County Council and a dog warden and dog pound service for Fingal County Council and Dublin City Council.
One tender was received, this tender was from Ashton Dog Pound.
Following assessment of the tender submission, which included inspections by the South Dublin County Council and Dublin City Council Veterinary Inspectors to confirm the adequacy of the facilities from a welfare perspective, the Local Authorities were satisfied that Ashton Dog Pound was able to provide the service and the contract was awarded accordingly. The contract came into effect on 1st September 2017.
Regular, unannounced inspections of the pound are carried out by South Dublin County Council's Veterinary Practitioners who are registered with the Register of Veterinary Practitioners maintained by the Veterinary Council of Ireland.
In 2017 eight (8) inspections were carried out (between 1st January and 31st December – Ashton also held the previous contract) , seven (7) of which were unannounced, the one (1) announced inspection was part of the tender process while two complaints were received in relation to the facility.
To date in 2018 three (3) inspections have been carried out, all of which were unannounced, while 6 complaints have been received.
South Dublin County Council recognises that cleanliness is important to the well-being of dogs in enclosed situations and is satisfied that the kennels are maintained to a high standard with all kennels being clean and disinfected.
All dogs are housed in individual kennels, with blankets in plastic beds. Dogs that are suspected to be unwell are isolated with access to the isolation kennels restricted. The pound has access to a private Veterinary Practitioner for assessment and treatment of dogs that require veterinary attention. Twenty-four (24) hour emergency cover is also provided by the Veterinary Practitioner.