SINN Féin councillor Ursula Gavan has called on Mayor John Moran to review the control of dogs under the current legislation.
In her motion at this month’s meeting of Limerick City and County Council, Cllr Gavan also asked for an increase in dog wardens currently employed locally in order to combat a recent spate of loose and uncontrolled dogs roaming the streets.
“Following the horrific death of Nicole Morley and more recently another attack on the Castletroy Greenway, we cannot allow these stories to keep repeating themselves,” the City East representative declared.
“While it is welcome news that the Minister has committed to introducing legislation around the control of certain dogs, we all know the government promise of action is due to fall flat as we enter the summer recess and most likely a general election in October,” the Sinn Féin councillor said.
She called on Mayor Moran to “introduce a bye-law on the 70 restricted breeds of dogs so we can reclaim our streets and communities from uncontrolled dogs”.
Cllr Gavan went on to say that Limerick’s two dog wardens have only issued one fine between 2020 and 2023, She pointed out that this is not putting fault on the council’s tireless workers, but the need to address a lack of resources.
She further asked the Mayor how he is going to address the lack of resources within the dog warden area and for a timeline on when a possible bye-law could be introduced.
The motion was seconded by Cllr Sharon Benson (SF) and supported by Social Democrats councillor Shane Hickey-O’Mara, who pointed out that animal shelters across the country are stretched to capacity.
Cllr Hickey-O’Mara said that while he supports the Sinn Féin councillor’s calls for more dog wardens, he also hopes for the council to “consider the underlying cause for the large number of abandoned dogs in Limerick and get behind the national Adopt Don’t Shop campaign”.
He said that if councillors and council staff could get behind championing animal shelters and rescues, and educate the public on responsible dog ownership, “we may be able to tackle the rising number of dogs abandoned to roam the streets”.
In response to the motion, Limerick City and County Council said it is obliged to follow the Control of Dogs Act, and is aware that the Department is currently reviewing these regulations in light of recent events.
