1958 Annual Report

The Lord Mayor of Cork (Mr. S. McCarthy, T.D.), who presided, said that the year was one of outstanding achievement, and the work being done by the Society deserved the full support of the public.

Chief Superintendent J. O'Dowd said that on his own behalf and on behalf of the Gardai, he was glad to be associated with a society which was doing so much valuable work in the City and County.

The report of the Senior Inspector, Mr. Jeremiah Burke, stated:- " At the 'Home' 667 stray dogs were received 1,005 unwanted and 36 boarded, a total of 1,708 being 16 more than for 1957; 128 dogs got good homes and 42 were claimed by their owners; 529 stray cats were received, 1,133 unwanted and 46 boarded, a total of 1,708 being 9 more than for 1957; 17 cats got good homes, and one was claimed by its owner. A grand total of 3,416 dog and cats dealt with at the 'Home' for the year; 1 Rabbit, 5 swan, 2 jackdaws and 1 crow were chloroformed. Outside the 'Home' 8 dogs were destroyed as were 1 horse, 2 ponies and 2 donkeys.

Control Of Dogs

"Owners of dogs cannot be too stongly advised on keeping them under control. They should not allow them to accompany anyone through thoroughfares without having them on the lead."

It can be added, to, that were dogs properly controlled there would be less poisoning of lands. This is very essential, especially during the lambing season, as it is on record that at this particular time considerable injury to and loss of sheep and lambs is caused to farmers."

"Owners of unwanted dogs or cats who cannot conveniently bring them to the 'Home' to be disposed of should arrange with an Inspector to have such animals collected. In the case of farmers or others who may have an old or disabled animal to dispose of should communicate with the local kennels or Messrs. Edward O'Keeffe, Ltd., Watercourse Road, Cork."

Other points from the report said that general supervision was maintained throughout the city quays, suburbs, shipping port and salesyards. A few of the complaints of alleged cruelty were without foundation.

The Lord Mayor, in the course of his address, said that education in the homes and schools was very important, so that consideration should be shown to animals.

In a specific reference to birds, he said that their nests which were their homes, should not be disturbed. This was often done through inconsideration.

Referring to marts, he said that proper space should be provided in the lorries in which the animals were carried, so that they should have the greatest comfort while in movement.

Successful Year

The Chairman of the Society (Lt. Col. H. M. Kitchen), in the course of his address, said that the year was a successful one. He thanked the society's friends and helpers for their kind and helpful assistance, which, he trusted, would continue, for there was still much to be done. He warmly thanked the Chief Superintendents in Cork and Bandon and the various Gardai for their help to the society. Tributes were paid to the manager and other officers and staff for their work.