Animal rights protesters stage demonstration calling for the closure of Ashton dog pound
By Maurice Garvey
ANIMAL rights protesters staged a demonstration at South Dublin County Council offices on last week, calling for Ashton dog pound to be shut.
Gardai are investigating allegations in relation to the improper use of veterinary drugs, used to euthanise animals at the Blanchardstown dog pound - one of the largest care facilities in the country.
People protesting outside South Dublin County Council offices
Ashton operate dog warden services under contract for South Dublin County Council, Dublin City Council, for Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown and Fingal county councils.
The Alliance for Animal Rights (AFAR) claim Ashton is “not fit for purpose” and urge local authorities to seek out a new venue.
“The site where Ashton stands is rented so a move to a site with proper facilities are ideal,” said an AFAR spokesperson.
“AFAR are glad to be supporting this demonstration to get drastic change in Ashton pound for dogs who through no fault of their own, end up there.
This could be caused by abandonment, dogs getting lost, or by being put in Ashton by people who once cared for them – or a host of other misfortunes.
“Some of my rescued dogs, Greyhounds mainly, have come from Ashton over the years and I am so glad I helped them to good homes, two are still here with me. What has been happening is horrific, an investigation will hopefully reveal the truth, we hope appropriate justice will prevail.”
The contract between SDCC and Ashton Dog Pound expires on December 31, 2020.
SDCC said: “Prior to this expiry date the council will go to tender for the provision of pound services for the South Dublin administrative area.”
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