SINN Féin councillor Ursula Gavan has questioned Limerick City and County Council on new figures which show that more than 100 dogs have been put down by Limerick Dog Shelter in the last five years.
The figures, obtained by Social Democrats councillor Shane Hickey O’Mara, revealed that a total of 109 dogs were euthanised in Limerick since 2020.
Councillor Gavan asked at this month’s Metropolitan District meeting for information on who is euthanising these animals, as the local authority does not have a veterinary office and the drug can only be administered by a qualified vet.
Senior Council Engineer Aidan Finn said that Limerick City and County Council employs private veterinary services contracted to support the operation of Limerick Dog Shelter.
“The most recent process of procurement was carried out in July of this year and a successful applicant appointed. A registered veterinarian always carries out any euthanasia required in the dog shelter,” Mr Finn told Cllr Gavan.
In a response to a question from Social Democrats councillor Shane Hickey O’Mara at September’s Metropolitan meeting, councillors were also informed that €12,885 has been accrued by the dog shelter since 2020.
The fees include costs such as surrendering, rehoming, and reclaiming fees for the dogs.
