Over 100 dogs put down in Limerick

MORE than 100 dogs have been put down by Limerick Dog Shelter in the last five years, new figures have revealed.

Data obtained by Social Democrats councillor Shane Hickey-O’Mara has revealed that a total of 109 dogs were euthanised between 2020 and now.

The vast majority of these - 101 - have taken place this year and last year.

Three dogs were put down in 2020, none in 2021 and five in 2022.

READ MORE: Limerick mum locked herself in bedroom due to son’s ‘aggressive’ behaviour

Cllr Hickey-O’Mara said he is “struck” by the increase in dogs being put to sleep following the easing of Covid-19 regulations.
At the monthly metropolitan council meeting, he also asked how much the council had made from the surrender and re-homing of canines from the shelter.

He was told €12,885 had been accrued by the dog shelter since 2020.

This includes surrendering, re-homing and reclamation fees.

However, senior engineer Aidan Finn, who provided the answer was unable to break down the amount for each area.

He pointed out the fee to surrender restricted breeds of dogs has been waived in light of the ban on XL Bully dogs.

Cllr Hickey-O’Mara said: “The shelter's reluctance to share the financial breakdown of money accrued by way of surrendering, re-homing and reclaiming fees raises questions of transparency.”

The northside councillor believes Limerick Dog Shelter should be given the chance to advertise dogs in their care on the local authority’s website, www.limerick.ie

This, he said, would make people aware of what dogs might be facing euthanisation and what options there are to save them from this.

“Limerick residents are so passionate about dog welfare and I think it's crucial that they know what is happening to dogs in their city under the auspices of Limerick Council,” the Social Democrats member concluded.