COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

South Dublin County Council Crest

MEETING OF SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

Monday, November 14, 2022

QUESTION NO. 40

QUESTION: Councillor G. O'Connell

To ask the Chief Executive what changes have been introduced from the former (Ashton) service to the current dog shelter, and can he make a statement on the matter?

REPLY:

Midland Animal Care Limited has provided Dog Shelter and related services for South Dublin County Council since they were appointed on the 1st of October 2021. Dog Warden Services for South Dublin continue to be provided by the Council's two full time Dog Wardens. The Council has developed a good, open relationship with the Company in the intervening period.

The shelter facility is located at Hollygrove Kennels, Lyons Road, Newcastle, Co. Dublin, D22 T9P7. Midland Animal Care Limited also provides shelter services at this facility for Dun Laoghaire Rathdoiwn and Fingal County Councils. All Midland Animal Care staff members working with dogs on behalf of South Dublin County Council are trained to veterinary nurse standard or equivalent. 

Midland Animal Care has a working arrangement with a local veterinary practice to provide veterinary care to the shelter, with a minimum of one visit per week. All dogs receive vaccination for canine parvovirus, leptospirosis, distemper, hepatitis, canine adenovirus 1 and 2 and canine parainfluenza virus. 

The company proactively works with rehoming organisations across Ireland to rehome dogs.

To date in 2022, 309 stray dogs have entered the shelter from the South Dublin administrative area. A further 110 dogs were surrendered by their owners. A total of 114 stray dogs have been reclaimed by their owners to date. 283 dogs have been rehomed in 2022, 179 of these to rescue organisations and a further 104 to the public.

Frequent, unannounced inspections are carried out by the Council's Veterinary Inspectors. As a result of these inspections, where necessary, corrective action reports are sent to Midland Animal Care for attention. Any such reports are followed up by the Council's Veterinary Inspectors.

All Councillors were invited to visit the shelter when it commenced operating. Further visits can be arranged at any time to facilitate any members who wish to view the facility.