Animal cruelty reports 'not taken seriously'

A Cork County Councillor has called for more to be done to safeguard the well-being of animals following a number of disturbing recent incidents in Cork.

Cllr Audrey Buckley (FF) said it is imperative that Cork County Council take proactive steps on the matter of animal cruelty.

In her motion at Monday’s full meeting of Cork County Council, Cllr Buckley called for the establishment of a 24-hour animal welfare hotline.

She also called for more regular inspections of animal breeding facilities, as well as a public awareness campaigns to inform the public about responsible pet ownership, the importance of reporting animal cruelty, and the legal repercussions of neglect and abuse.

“The situation around animal welfare in county Cork has been drawing a lot of frustration and disappointment,” the Carrigaline councillor said.

“We’ve all read recently reports of heinous animal cruelty.

“It reignites the conversation and makes people even more fed up with what’s happening.

“I feel sometimes the authorities don’t take reports of cruelty and neglect seriously enough,” Cllr Buckley added.

She also pointed out that serious issues remain regarding stray dogs in Cork and called for the establishment of a widespread neutering programmes to help manage populations.

Her motion follows a number of shocking incidents in Cork city and county in recent weeks involving alleged cruelty to animals.

Last month, a cat was reportedly taken from a garden in Mahon, Cork city, before having two greyhound dogs set upon it, killing it. A garda spokesperson said: “Gardaí received a report of alleged animal cruelty that occurred in the Mahon area, Cork city on Tuesday 8 April. Enquiries are ongoing.”

In a similar incident earlier the same week in Rochestown, Cork city, a cat was torn apart in its own garden by two greyhounds who had gained access. In March, Cork charity Cat Action Trust reported similar incidents in the Glen area of Cork city.

Last week, a horse that was being cared for by a local woman in Glanmire was found dead and dragged into nearby bushes. The woman had started caring for the horse after seeing it tied to a tree in a field and in poor condition. She had called a number of services, but none were able to help her.

Cllr Buckley said: “Many animal welfare organisations in Cork operate with very little funding or government support. They rely heavily on donations and volunteers which means they are often overwhelmed, especially during times like the kitten season that we’re coming into.”

Responding to Ms Buckley’s motion, Cork County Council Divisional Manager Michael Lynch pointed out that the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) has primary policy responsibility for animal welfare in Ireland.

He said: “Cork County Council’s functional responsibilities in this area relate to dog control including dog licencing, stray dogs, dangerous breeds etc, as well as the control of stray horses.

“Both DAFM and the Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ISPCA) who have been authorised by DAFM under the Animal Welfare Act already operate national animal welfare helplines to which concerns can be reported.

“From 1 January 2025 the council’s veterinary inspection staff have transferred to DAFM, who are now the lead agency for the inspection of dog breeding establishments.

“DAFM are also functionally responsible for the delivery of awareness campaigns and educational programs in relation to animal and pet welfare generally,” added Mr Lynch.

Cllr Buckly replied: “Regardless of the statutory division of duties between the council, DAFM, and other agencies, I believe that Cork County Council retains a local duty of care to its constituents to ensure that all animals are treated humanely withing its jurisdictions.”