ANIMALS in Limerick are suffering abuse and cruelty and yet ongoing pleas for a full time ISPCA (Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animal) Inspector or a dedicated Garda Unit are going unheeded.
That’s the claim by Aontú councillor Sarah Beasley says that ISPCA staff on Shannonside have been threatened, intimidated, and harassed as they try to go about their business protecting animals.
“It is both heartbreaking and infuriating and really would make one question the humanity of human beings,” Cllr Beasley opined.
The Aontú councillor said that “it is now almost six years since Limerick has had a dedicated ISPCA Inspector. It is an out and out disgrace.”
The City North representative called for a dedicated Garda Unit and put a motion forward to Limerick City and County Council which received the backing of Council members.
“I received a reply from the Garda Chief Superintendent to say that no such unit will be established as the Department of Agriculture has the primary responsibility for the care of animals and Gardaí don’t have the resources.”
Cllr Beasley said she was “bitterly disappointed” by the news.
“Nobody is taking any responsibility for the awful animal abuse in our city and county,” she claimed.
“When you ring regarding an animal being abused or tied up or starving, you are told to ring animal welfare, but they don’t have the capacity to deal with all the cases of abuse, so you are then told to ring the Department of Agriculture. It’s a merry-go-round.”
Cllr Beasley says she is a long-time animal rights advocate who has co-written two Dáil bills around animal theft and cruelty.
“Animal charities and shelters are doing their absolute best, but they are stretched to the limit. They are playing a blinder and providing such a necessary service, but it is up to the local authority to ensure that an inspector is employed and that he or she receives the absolute protection and support to do their job,” she said.
“It should go without saying that ISPCA inspectors should be protected and anyone threatening or trying to intimidate them should face the full rigours of the law. There needs to be protection for those who protect our beautiful animals.”
Cllr Beasley said that “we must bring about responsible ownership and stand solidly together against animal cruelty and neglect”.
“I genuinely will not rest until an ISPCA inspector is employed, backed up by a dedicated and supportive team.”
