by Alan Jacques
THE LIMERICK branch of the Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ISPCA) believe that the appointment of a new inspector will be a real benefit to animal welfare in the county.
This follows confirmation this week that David Walsh has taken up the position of full-time inspector, which was funded by the Limerick brench thanks to a generous bequest from the late Elizabeth Burke.
According to ISPCA chief executive, Dr Andrew Kelly, the Animal Health and Welfare Act, introduced in March 2014, is a significant step forward for animal welfare in Ireland.
ISPCA inspectors are authorised officers under the legislation which gives them statutory powers to enter private property to inspect animals, seize animals that are suffering and issue welfare improvement notices that are enforceable.
“The provision of an ISPCA inspector in Limerick will be a real benefit to animal welfare in the county. As an authorised officer our inspector will be proactive in helping those animals most in need, those that have been abandoned, neglected or cruelly treated,” Dr Kelly explained.
He also paid tribute to Limerick SPCA for working tirelessly in Limerick to help animals over the years.
“Merging with the ISPCA and providing funding for an ISPCA inspector is the right thing to do at this time and will be a great benefit to the animals of Limerick.”
Chairperson of Limerick SPCA, Geraldine Nardone, believes that having a full time ISPCA inspector is a positive step for Limerick and will allow the legislation to be enforced more effectively.
“Thanks to the bequest we received this has now become a reality. We are delighted to be able to collaborate with the ISPCA on this and to merge with them. We wish David and the ISPCA every success for the future,” Geraldine told the Limerick Post.
Meanwhile, ISPCA inspector David Walsh says he is delighted to have taken up the new position.
“I look forward to promoting animal welfare and dealing with incidents of animal cruelty whenever possible.”
Members of the public in Limerick can report animal welfare concerns to the ISPCA via the National Animal Cruelty Helpline in confidence on 1890 515 515.
