Irelands Pound Problem
Press Release on 2005 Dog Control FiguresTO:

Thursday, September 7, 2006 : FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

IRELAND PUTS ITS POUND PROBLEM QUIETLY TO SLEEP - AGAIN

The 2005 dog control figures just released by the Minister of the Environment show that 16,546 dogs – most healthy – were destroyed last year. Although down on last year’s figure of 16,598, this represents a 0.3% decrease.

The total number of dogs held in Irish pounds increased from 24,716 in 2004, to 25,510 in 2005, representing a 3% increase in total numbers entering pounds, proving the overall situation is not improving.

Limerick City leads the Counties’ League with an almost 100% destruction rate, followed by Mayo, Kerry and Tipperary North and South, each with destruction rates of 90% or more.

On the other hand, the increase shown in the rehoming of dogs by Counties
Leitrim, Dublin City, Fingal, South Dublin and Louth is explained by their policy of working with rescue groups

Dog Control Figures/2

Dog pounds exist to act as reception areas for the custody or safekeeping of animals seized or surrendered, yet many of these so-called facilities are, effectively, Death Row for dogs whose owners just want to dump or ‘lose’ them.
This situation is underwritten by the total lack of accountability of many local authorities in their capacity as service providers – and so, taxpayers’ money is used to remove the responsibility from dogowners who just don’t care.

Ultimately, the production of unwanted animals needs to be stopped via spaying, neutering and owner traceability. In the meantime, local authorities must be made accountable for this preventable scandal. 

ANVIL Ireland is currently investigating how the various service providers operate and will soon present recommendations to reduce destruction rates to both Government and local authorities.

For more information, contact: Miriam Anderson, ANVIL Ireland Co-ordinator @0861999512 and/or visit the ANVIL Ireland website www.anvilireland.ie
 


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