Only 11% of county’s dogs have a licence

THERE are just 4,000 dogs licensed in Clare, just over 11% of the canine population in the county and if all dogs in the county were licensed, at a cost of €20 per dog, it would mean a boost of more than €600,000 for the operation of dog control services.

The extent of unlicensed dogs in the county has been outlined by Clare County Council as Ennis woman and founder of the Rover Rescue organisation, Deirdre Ryan, criticised the amount of court cases taken by the local authority in relation to dog control.

Deirdre has stated that enough isn’t being done, with 14 cases taken by Clare County Council in relation to dog control over the past 10 years according to information obtained under the Freedom of Information Act.

“In the last 10 years they have taken just 14 cases in relation to dog control and some of these were withdrawn. I think these figures are very poor. If there isn’t responsibility and consequences issued for people who don’t keep their dogs under control or are cruel to their dogs, then nothing is ever going to improve. There has been very little done in the last 10 years so it’s no surprise people are becoming more irresponsible with their animals,” she said.

However, James Barry, senior staff officer with Clare County Council, has responded to the criticism, saying the council’s decision to prosecute cases is made on the basis of legal advice.

Deirdre has helped rehome hundreds of dogs through her organisation. She has spent thousands of euros to make her home suitable for rescue dogs, which she rehomes in the UK and claims she has been denied access to dogs at the county pound in recent months. She said she has begun using an intermediary to take in dogs for rehoming. However, Mr Barry has stated she is welcome to visit the shelter, although the public no longer have access to kennels.

Deirdre has also criticised the numbers of dogs being put to sleep at the facility and stated there are issues with heating at the pound. She has met with the ISPCA to discuss her concerns and she expects to meet with them again in the coming weeks.

“I just want a basic standard of care for these animals, whether they are there for a day or 10 days,” she said.

Responding to the claims, Mr Barry outlined that there are an estimated 33,000 to 35,000 dogs in County Clare. Approximately 4,000 dogs are currently licensed and all dogs rehomed by the Ennis Dog Shelter are licensed.

While acknowledging that “large numbers” of dogs are put to sleep, he went on to say, “This happens when dogs are seized or surrendered and are considered non-rehomeable. All dogs rehomeable are advertised on Facebook and Frankie Coote goes on ClareFM every week telling of dogs available to rehome. Putting dogs to sleep is the last option.”

He outlined that Deirdre is welcome to visit the shelter during opening hours. “Clare County Council and the ISPCA recently reviewed the shelter protocols and the public no longer have access to the kennels area.

“There can be dogs being held by the direction of a court and other dogs that are not rehomeable, for various reasons and the general public do not get access to these animals from now on,” he said.

In relation to the number of court cases taken, Mr Barry commented, “Frankie Coote has the option of issuing a fine for certain breaches of the dog control legislation.

“He also has the option of getting statements and recommending prosecution.

“When he does this, all of the information is passed on to the council’s solicitor and legal advice is given. The council then has a decision to make on the basis of the advice given. This is covered by Section 30 of the 1986 Control of Dogs Act and is a function for Clare County Council.

“In other words, Frankie can suggest a case and bring forward the evidence but then it is a matter for the council to decide to prosecute.

“We have not followed through with all of the cases, which Frankie has recommended for prosecution based on the advice of the council’s solicitor.

“The council’s responsibility under the Control of Dogs Act 1986 is primarily focused on dog control. Frankie Coote has appeared regularly as a witness for the gardaí in cases which they decide to proceed with.”

He concluded by stating issues with heating at the pound have been resolved.