‘It’s cruelty beyond cruelty,' Huge concern over dogs seized in Tipperary

A Thurles councillor has called the number of seized dogs that are put down as “cruel”.

Cllr Jim Ryan was commenting on the number of dogs put down during an update from the council’s Environment Section at last week’s sitting of Thurles-Templemore Municipal District Council meeting.

He said the county has a serious problem with dogs and rescues are under pressure.

“That is cruelty beyond cruelty to see so many put down,” said Cllr Ryan.

This year and up to August 15, 2024, 120 dogs were seized or surrendered to the dog warden.

That is according to this month’s Tipperary County Council management report. 

Of those 66 were sent to rescue, 24 were euthanized and eight were rehomed. 

Just 11 were reclaimed by their owners.

“There is a serious issue with dogs in this county,” said Cllr Ryan.

Roscrea councillor Shane Lee pointed out that some dogs are not suitable for rehoming and that there are also many good owners in the county.

“It’s not every dog and it’s not every owner, said Cllr Lee. 

Senior Executive Officer in the Environment Section, Michael Moroney said he agreed with both councillors. He also said the numbers are “quite significant” and they expected them to rise. 

That is especially because most are seized and very few surrendered and the rescues are at capacity.  

Mr Moroney praised the work of the dog wardens who he said go “above and beyond” for the dogs in their care. 

Tipperary County Council are only required to keep dogs for five days but often care for them for much longer before an alternative course of action must be found. 

“The reality is we can’t keep them continually,” said Mr Moroney. 

They will, however, continue to raise awareness and encourage responsible dog ownership through campaigns including in schools.

 “It is and continues to be a focus point for ourselves,” said Mr Moroney. 

TRAGEDY

Cllr Ryan also raised the issue at this month’s Tipperary County Council plenary meeting where he said it was particularly prevalent in housing estates. 

He said he has seen pictures and videos of dangerous breeds allowed to roam in estates and said dog wardens are rushed off their feet.

“There is a tragedy going to happen in our estates if we don’t do something,” said Cllr Ryan. 

Cathaoirleach Cllr Declan Burgess said he agreed and asked if a welfare officer would be appointed.

Cllr Liam Browne said that there was an incident the previous weekend in Cashel involving a dog attack on a cat. 

But, he said the dog warden can only act where they see it happen.

So, there is no point in appointing more wardens unless they have enhanced powers. Cllr John Fitzgerald said a plan was needed to address what he called “atrocities on children.”

“Loss of life is vicious, cruel and can be prevented with a proper plan,” said Cllr Fitzgerald. 

Cllr David Dunne asked if Tenant Liaison Officers had any power to address the issue in council houses. 

While Cllr John Carroll said elected members had come face to face a few times while out canvassing earlier this year. 

SHARED CONCERN

Director of Services for the Environment Section Eamon Lonergan said it is a “concern” they share.

However, he said the responsibility is on pet owners. 

He said more funding as well as the ban on XL bully dogs is on the way and that seizing dogs has a cost in terms of vets.

According to the management report, 4,942 licences were purchased up to August 15. 

Mr Lonergan said 21 of those were for XL bully dogs.But, he said many more may be unlicenced.

Mr Lonergan said they are aware of the cat attack in Cashel. 

And that the council do not have the power to enter private property to enforce dog ownership rules, that includes the homes of council tenants. 

“It is a health and safety issue, no doubt,” said Mr Lonergan.