500 canines entered local dog pound over last year

New figures show that 11 dogs had to be euthanized in Offaly last year, out of a staggering 500 dogs that entered the dog pound.

Seán Canney TD, Minister for Community Development, Natural Resources and Digital Development, announced the publication of dog control statistics for 2018 this week.

The figures released on Tuesday show that a small number of greyhounds were surrendered in Offaly last year - a total of three - and they were sent to dog welfare groups.

The figures include detail on the number of dog licences issued, the management of dog pounds and dog breeding establishments.

The number of stray and unwanted dogs entering the pound last year in Offaly amounted to 225. A further 245 dogs were surrendered, while the total number of dogs seized was 30.

The number of stray and unwanted dogs that were reclaimed by owners in 2018 amounted to 58, while a total of 139 dogs were rehomed last year. Meanwhile, 303 dogs were transferred to dog welfare groups.

There was a total number of two dogs remaining in the pound by December 31st 2018, compared with 16 the December previous.

Separate figures for greyhounds were also issued. In 2018, three greyhounds were surrendered to the Offaly pound, and these were transferred to dog welfare groups. None had to be euthanized.

The figures show that there was 15 on-the-spot-fines issued in Offaly in 2018, but only three of these were paid. No prosecutions or convictions resulted.

Figures showed that Offaly County Council spent a total of €157,068.50 on dog control in 2018, leaving the local authority in a deficit of -€98,055.50, having only received an income of €59,013.

Minister Seán Canney however says that nationally, the number of dogs entering local authority pounds is decreasing year-on-year, down from a high of over 26,000 in 2002 to 9,961 in 2018.

He said the number of dogs euthanized nationally last year nationally, was 778, down from a high of over 21,000 in 2002, 996 in 2017 and 1,674 in 2016.

The Minister pointed out that the majority of dogs that enter pounds are reunited with their owners, rehomed or transferred to animal welfare groups.

The number of individual licences including online purchases issued in 2018 was 2,826; and with a human population of 77,961; that's around 3.6 individual licenses per 100 persons.

There was one first time applicant for a Dog Breeding Establishment (DBE) license in 2018. Following an inspection, the application was refused.

There were two closure notices issued by Offaly County Council last year in relation to premises not previously registered.

Three DBE licenses were up for renewal last year, while six premises inspections took place. No DBE renewal applications were refused in 2018.

However, three improvement notices were issued to premises applying for renewal of registration in Offaly. 

There are four previously registered commercial DBE premises on the Offaly, and €4,000 in fees was collected from the renewal process.