Council impound 50 dogs per month
By Echo Reporter
UP TO 580 dogs were impounded by South Dublin County Council in 2016 – an average of close to 50 dogs impounded per month.
The rough justice led to SDCC collecting approximately €160,000 in dog licence fees in the county in 2016.
The figure is in stark contrast to the figures for the number of horses impounded by the council in 2016 – which stands at 267 – an average of 22 horses impounded per month.
When The Echo enquired about the dog figures, SDCC says they have responsibility under the Control of Dogs Act, which includes issuing dog licenses, provision of dog shelters, seizure of dogs, on-the-spot fines, and taking court proceedings against dog owners.
Dog wardens appointed by the council have the power to request the name and address of a person suspected of an offence, and also have the power to seize and detain any dog and to enter any premises.
Rathfarnham councillor Deirdre Donovan received calls from constituents informing her of random visits to their door by dog wardens.
She asked the council for clarification and on how much revenue was collected from dog licences last December.
In response to Cllr O’Donovan’s query, SDCC said dog wardens carry out licence checks in the county over a five-year rotating basis.
Between January to November 2016, dog wardens called to approximately 1,040 houses in the Rathfarnham, Templeogue, Terenure area.
Dogs over four months old require a license and all canines must wear a collar at all times with the address of the owner inscribed.
Under new legislation, pups born since June 2015 must be microchipped and registered on a database by the time they are 12-weeks-old.
Most stray dogs brought to the council pound – Ashton Dog Pound in Castleknock – are put down if they are not claimed by their owners or rehomed after 5 days.
SDCC publish pictures of the stray dogs on its website, and dog owners are advised to check the site at www.sdcc.ie/services/environmental-health/animal-control/stray-dogs.
A re-claim fee is required as well as production of evidence of a current dog license before said dog is released.
