COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

MEETING OF SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

Monday, October 14, 2019

QUESTION NO. 13

QUESTION: Councillor P. Gogarty

To ask, further to my motion in January if the Chief Executive can further report on its formal plans for the management and upgrade of pet farms in the county on lands owned or maintained by this local authority, as well as its relationship with dog pounds and outlines improvements made or planned in how the welfare of the animals under its care are treated; and if a statement can be made on the matter.

REPLY:

The Council currently has a small number of birds in an Aviary in Corkagh Park. The aviary and the site of the former small Pet Farm in the park is currently under review as part of the assessment underway for the wider Corkagh Park. It is anticipated that a report will be brought to Council on this matter in the near future.

There are no Pet Farms or Dog Pounds on land owned by SDCC.

The Control of Dogs Act 1986, 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" 

South Dublin County Council currently employs two full time Dog Wardens, and has a contract in place with David & Carol Stone t/a Ashton Dog Pound & Warden Services for the provision of pound services.

The contract, which was initially for a period of twelve months with an option to extend for up to two further periods of twelve months, is currently due to expire on 31st December 2019.

The contract provides for the following in respect of the South Dublin administrative area:

• Provision of sufficient pounds or shelters that meet with the requirements of the Council's Veterinary Inspector
• Access for Council representatives at any time
• Acceptance of surrendered dogs
• Managing reclaims
• Rehoming / euthanasia in accordance with policy
• Maintenance of Section 14 register of seized dogs
• Monthly reports to SDCC on rehomed / euthanised dogs
• Notify Dog Warden of surrendered or seized dogs detained by Gardaí

The pound operator works with the public and a number of rescue groups to avhieve a high level of rehoming.