AnimalCare         bbermingham@corkcity.ie    www.bbermingham.com

Ladies and Gentlemen:

I have at the last public meeting, outlined the details of the

ACTS OF PARLIAMENT / DAIL… in this case

The Control of Dogs Act 1986 and the Control of Dogs [Amendment] Act 1992

1.     Under the Act, Local Authorities, have the responsibility for implementing the Act?

2.     These Duties are defined in section 15 of the CoD act 1986

3.     If the Minister makes any regulations under the Act these are to be implemented by Cork Corporation and organisations to which they have agreements.

In Cork Corporation’s case, arrangements have been made with THE CORK SOCIETY FOR THE PREVENTION OF CRUELTY C.S.P.C.A

Ø     To Employ a dog warden

Ø     To Provide and operate kennels for stray dogs…

Ø     This agreement was entered into on 14th July 1988 when consent was requested, of the minister under section 15 [3] of the control of dogs act 1986 to approve Cork Corporations entry into arrangements with C.S.P.C.A

Ø     On 25^th July 1988 consent was given by the minister for the C.S.P.C.A to exercise the functions under the act on behalf of Cork Corporation.

Ø     Provision for formal reporting by the C.S.P.C.A to Cork Corporation on activities on an annual basis from 2001 will commence on a formal basis.

A Brief diary

September 00 C.S.P.C.A   AGM…fallout

September 00…ANIMAL CARE SOCIETY Formed

Following the CSPCA AGM, Sept 10^th 2000, I wrote up and issued a press release on best practice on animal care in Cork, which read

“ After the AGM of the CSPCA, Irish Society should seek to understand the current thinking and practices in animal care.

Cork people should address animal care from within their region in order to arrive at a policy of best practice.

It seemed extraordinary that Cork Corporation has no direct involvement, in animal care.

The local Authority should at the very least have an inspectorate role in animal welfare.

I called on Cork Corporation

Ø     To become actively involved in the welfare of animals

Ø     Lay down standards and establish a code of best practice in animal care with the drafting of byelaws.

Ø     Directly appoint an animal care officer to oversee and implement best practice in animal care within its jurisdiction.

Ø     Determine the philosophy of care, of those it intended to licence within its jurisdiction.

Ø     Determine the fitness of premises.

Ø     Determine what records should be kept arrival-homing-sleeping-diseased -etc.

Ø     Determine the Role /function and access to volunteers

Ø     Consider monthly reports from funded operators.

Ø     Liaison, with the ISPCA on all relevant matters and

Ø     Fund staff such as Wardens adequately?

Ø     Be represented on the BoM of the CSPCA

Ø     Provide on going training to staff and volunteers

Ø     Employ a second Dog Warden.

I would like to congratulate Marion, Officers, Helpers, Volunteers, for the spirited manner in which you are addressing a serious need in this region

December 13^th E-Mail from ACS,

Ø     See e-mail

15^th January 2001 MOTION…to Cork City Council

Councillors D Boyle & B. Bermingham 01/005

“That this council closely examine the extent of which it is effectively meeting is statutory requirements in relation to the control of dogs act, and legislation regarding he general welfare of animals also establishing the best agency approach that can be adopted in helping this council meet this requirement”

19^th February 2001 REPORT ON THE MOTION concluded

“The Corporation is satisfied with the services provided by the Cork Society for the prevention of cruelty to animals under the control of dogs act”

February 2001 Sub-committee…is meeting, shaping the policy into the future

So what is the Present Position & Developments?

THE DOG WARDEN – APPOINTMENT

1.     The Dog Warden is an employee of C.S.P.C.A.

2.     His wages are paid to the C.S.P.C.A at the end of the month by the Corporation

3.     No change is recommended in this arrangement [to employ a dog warden] to date

NUMBER OF DOG WARDENS EMPLOYED

THE DOG WARDEN Duties & Conditions of Employment

1.     To investigate complaints concerning stray dogs

2.     To Issue fines under various sections of the act

3.     To investigate complaints regarding the control of dogs [restrictions of certain dogs] regulations 1991

4.     To make daily contact with the corporation and to establish close working relationship with the environmental section, of Cork Corporation.

5.     To attend court, on behalf of the corporation in addition to his normal duties.

Dog Control Unit

1.     The Corporation provides a van duly converted for use by the dog warden i.e. fitted with kennels radio control etc

2.     No change is recommended in this arrangement to date [to provide a van fitted with kennels radio control etc]

SHELTER & INSPECTORATE

1.     Shelter for stray dogs is provided by the C.S.P.C.A. at their premises in Contarf Street.

2.     The C.S.P.C.A maintain a register of stray dogs and this is provided on a monthly basis to the corporation for payment to the C.S.P.C.A

3.     Recommended that photographs of all dogs impounded or surrendered must be kept.

4.     That the acting Chief Veterinary Officer, or other nominated persons would carry out an inspection of the CSPCA premises at all reasonable times with or without notice, in regard to the Control of Dogs Act.

5.     Requirement that any recommendations made by the Chief Veterinary Officer are implemented.

SHELTER SUBVENTION

1.     The corporation pays £2.00 per night per dog for a maximun of 5 nights as provided under section 11 [7] of the act.

2.     Amend Shelter Subvention of £2.00 per night per Dog at present

3.     No change is recommended in this arrangement to date

4.     The account is paid on a monthly basis.

KENNEL EXPENSES

1.     The CSPCA employ the services of Gill abbey Veterinary Clinic for putting to sleep of any animals that are kept over 5 days and other animals who require veterinary treatment

2.     The Corporation pays £1000.00 per half year, towards cost of veterinary and kennel mans expenses.

3.     No change is recommended in this arrangement [whereby the corporation pays a £2000 per year towards veterinary costs] to date

4.     Best modern practices are to be used in kennel design, upkeep etc

DISPOSAL

Ø     Disposal of dogs is carried out by the C.S.P.C.A

Ø     Cork Corporation disposes of the dead dogs at the Sanitary Landfill Site Kinsale road.

STRAY & UNWANTED DOGS

ADMINISTRATION

1.     Cork Corporation to contribute £2000.00 per annum for provision of Secretarial expenses

2.     No change is recommended in this arrangement to contribute £2000 for secretarial expenses] to date

LICENCES

1.     The corporation and the C.S.P.C.A, Maintain a licence register…

2.     No change is recommended in this arrangement to maintain a licence register to date, but a computer link with C.S.P.C.A, to enable society to have access to register for checking purposes is recommended

3.     When the environmental committee of Cork Corporation received a deputation November 2000 it raised the possibility of the issue of dog licences by the society under section 3[3] of the act. [See Submission]

4.     This would make it easier for persons to purchase dog licences rather than having to travel to the nearest post office in particular with the reclaiming of dogs from the societies premises.

5.     It is proposed to seek approval from the Minister to allow CSPCA to issue dog licences

SUMMARY OF DEVELOPMENTS

1.   If the Minister makes any regulations under the Act these are to be implemented as part of the agreement with the C.S.P.C.A

2.   Provision for formal reporting to the Corporation on activities on an annual basis from 2001 on.

3.   No change is recommended in the appointment of the dog warden.

4.   No change is recommended in the provision of the van  & kennels

5.   Recommended that photographs of all dogs impounded or surrendered must be kept.

6.   That the acting Chief Veterinary Officer, or other nominated persons would carry out an inspection of the CSPCA premises at all reasonable times with or without notice, in regard to the Control of Dogs Act.

7.   Requirement that any recommendations made by the Chief Veterinary Officer are implemented.

8.   No change is recommended in the Shelter Subvention of £2.00 per night per Dog at present

9.   No change is recommended in the corporation paying  £2000 per year towards veterinary costs] to date

10.                     Best modern practices are to be used in kennel design, upkeep etc

11.                     No change is recommended in the contribution of £2000 for secretarial expenses]

12.                     No change is recommended in maintaining a licence register, but a computer link with C.S.P.C.A, to enable society to have access to the register for checking purposes is recommended

13.                     It is proposed to seek approval from the Minister to allow CSPCA to issue dog licences

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