COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

MEETING OF SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

Monday, May 10, 2021

MOTION NO. 2

MOTION: Councillor T. Costello

To ask the Chief executive that going forward staff responsible for the removal of dead dogs and cats from public areas be equipped with scanning equipment so microchipped animals can be scanned and identified and owners notified that they are deceased

REPORT:

The removal of dead animals is carried out when required by staff from the Council's Public Realm Section.  In general this is required on public roads when small domestic animals are struck by cars or other vehicles.  The method used to carry out the task is that the staff members remove the animal, double-bag it and then place it in cold storage for disposal at a later time.  In many instances these animals are not recognisable, such is the extent of the injuries received, and this makes the task more difficult in these circumstances.  The risk assessment for this task requires that is carried out using full PPE including a face mask, due to the potential risks posed by dead animals.  Staff are advised to complete the task as quickly as possible, in the interests of public safety as well as their own personal safety.  It is not proposed to alter the current operating procedure, as to do so would be in conflict with the aim to remove the animal in a clean and safe manner.

The purchase of a new scanner has been arranged to enable the scanning a deceased animal after it has been placed in cold storage, on a trials basis.