No owner claims pit bull dog found at Laois train station

A dog on the restricted breeds list found straying in a Laois train station and impounded, was not claimed by its owner.

The American pit bull type male dog was taken in by Laois Dog Pound on Friday, January 20, with the owner having five days to claim him.

It had been discovered straying on the busy platform of Portlaoise Train Station early that morning.

The young dog had had its ears cut at one stage, an illegal practice done with an intention to make pitbulls look fiercer.

Laois Dog Pound who put the name of Leo on the dog, announced he could be rehomed a week ago, after no-one came to claim him.

Leo is still waiting, but as his breed is on the restricted dogs list in Ireland, there are special conditions on owners.

They include that he must be muzzled and on a strong short lead in public places, controlled by a person aged over 16 years.

The dog pound say he is "friendly, calm and loves cuddles".

"Leo is available for rehoming. He is an American Pitbull type, male, Roughly 2 years old. He is friendly, calm and loves cuddles. If you are interested in rehoming please contact the laois dog shelter or email laoisdogpoundrehoming@gmail.com with your full details."

Laois Dog Warden Tristan Blundell confirms that Leo is still waiting for a new home.

"The American Bully hasn't been rehomed yet, but we do have two people coming to look at him tomorrow. So fingers crossed," he said on Friday, February 10.

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Leo is not the only restricted breed currently under the care of the Laois Dog Pound, where dogs are not destroyed unless directed by an owner or a judge.

They also have a Staffordshire mix female dog found in Rosenallis this week, and a Malanois (alsation) found in Old Leighlin Road by Gardaí in January, among some 10 dogs waiting for owners.

The dog warden also reminds dog owners that every dog must be licenced, microchipped with a collar and address, and under the control of its owner at all times in public places.