This article is from page 23 of the 2011-10-11 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 23 JPG
A REVELATION that the county dog warden has had to call on gardaí for support while working in Shannon has created shock waves in the town.
The issue was discussed by Shannon town councillors last week after the county’s dog warden Frankie Coote told The Clare People that the issue of dog control in Shannon was the worst in the county and that he has been forced to contend with severe abuse from dog owners.
A motion was tabled by Fine Gael Councillor Vincent Coleman who said that the issue of stray dogs was causing problems in the town.
In response, the council stated that the dog warden has issued a number of fines where he came across complaints relating to repeat offenders.
“Clare County Council has a contract with the ISPCA under Section 15 of the Control of Dogs Act, 1996, to carry out the council’s functions under that Act. The council has been in contact with the ISPCA dog warden who has reported that over the last six months there has been dog control issues in Shannon and he has spent much of his time in the Shannon area.
“On many of his visits he has had to bring the gardaí with him to intervene in some of the complaints. He has also issued a number of fines, where he came across complaints which were repeat offenders. The dog warden will continue to visit Shannon on a regular basis,” stated the council’s response.
In reply, Cllr Coleman said he was satisfied with this and said he appreciated that the staff in the dog control section were understrength. “They are trying their best,” he said.
Independent councillor Gerry Flynn suggested that Mr Coote be invited to meet with councillors. “He has to get the assistance of gardaí. This is not on. The abuse he is getting, he cannot tolerate it. I suggest we bring him in and do what we can to help that man,” he said.
Labour councillor Tony McMahon said the abuse suffered by the dog warden is “not acceptable”. He said that several people walk their dogs without leads and they are not controlled. “It’s dangerous. There is a severe penalty that people should be aware of,” he said.
Fine Gael councillor Seán McLoughlin said he was “disturbed to see that report in the paper”.
“Some type of awareness has to be made to the owners that they have a responsibility,” he said.