DOG WELFARE A PRIORITY AT NEW KENNELS
29 May 1996
By DEIRDRE KELLY
A NEW kennels complex for the county dog warden service has been opened in Murneen, a few miles from Kiltimagh.
The facility will play an important role in an increased welfare campaign for dogs in Mayo.
Every year an average of 1,000 dogs pass through the centre which is concerned with dog welfare and the control of licences.
The dog warden service has been operating in Mayo since the introduction of the Control of Dogs Act 1986. The present county warden, Mr John Fleming, was the first appointed dog warden in the west. He runs the kennels with the help of his wife Marie. County veterinary surgeon, Mr Cahill Walsh, is also on call at all times to attend the dogs taken in to the centre.
The present kennels are designed to cope with up to 25 dogs at any one time.
Funding for the unit comes solely from the sale of dog licences, which means that every £5 spent on a licence makes a valuable contribution towards the well-being of dogs in the county.
The animals are housed at the kennels for five days and if a new owner is not found they are humanely destroyed. Anyone interested in adopting one of the animals must hold a current dog licence for the animal when picking it up.
Most of the dogs confined at the kennels are strays that are reported by members of the public for fear of sheep attacks or because that are roving loose around housing estates.
When reported the dogs must be placed in a confined area, ready for collection by the dog warden.
There is also a focus on dog licences and the officials at the centre send
out a strong message that if you can't afford the £5 dog licence, then you
definitely can't afford a dog.
Connaught Telegraph - News - May 1996
Connaught Telegraph - Sports - May 1996
