10,000 dogs in the Naas area alone - but just two wardens for a whole county

More dog wardens are needed in County Kildare - to address the needs of a growing population and an increasing level of dog ownership.

Two Fianna Fáil councillors, Naoise Ó Cearúil and Michael Coleman, asked for the service to be examined and questioned if it needs to be expanded.

This followed a meeting with local farmers, members of the Kildare West Wicklow IFA branch.

Cllr Ó Cearúil said the number of dogs had increased since the Covid 19 pandemic and the problem is also worsened because towns are expanding towards farmland, leading to increased attacks on sheep, cattle and even horses.

He also said that Kildare’s record for attacks by dogs on livestock is among the worst in Ireland.

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There are two wardens in the county and Cllr Coleman contrasted that with Cork where there are five full time wardens and four part tiers along with eight administrative staff - including six working part time.

He said that Corks takes in much more money and spends less on the service.

“We need more wardens,” he said.

Cllr Brendan Weld told a Kildare County Council meeting that some people now have up to three dogs.

“Dogs travel miles to attack sheep," he said.

The service provided in Kildare was praised  by Cllr Kevin Duffy but said  more resources are needed and “finance must be found.”

Cllr Bill Clear said there are 10,000 dogs in Naas alone and dangerous dogs are allowed off the lead “all the time.”

He added: “When you try to talk to the owners you are usually told to  ‘f… off’ “,he said.

Cllr Clear warned that the situation “is steadily getting out of control.”

Cllr Pádraig McEvoy said the issue of restricted breeds - animals which must be kept on a strong lead, muzzled in public and be in the control of someone over 16 - is becoming normalised because it has not been adequately addressed.

Cllr Tim Durkan commented that people are inclined to let dogs off the lead in rural areas and this poses major concerns for farmers.

Owners are obliged to have pets licenced and microchipped and Cllr Ide Cussen said microchipping should be enforced.

Cllr Ó Cearúil said people may not be aware of their legal obligations and “we may need to get this message out.”

KCC official Marian Higgins said while there are just two wardens there is additional staff in the kennels. The ISPCA provides the dog warden service on behalf of KCC  and its personnel work closely with other agencies including the gardaí.

The warden’s role and responsibilities include dealing with queries and complaints from the public and court cases as well as investigating complaints. They work in close cooperation with the gardaí in  matters relating to the control of dogs.

They also coordinate  activities in relation to the control of stray animals and the operation of the pound.

The government intends to strengthen policy and legislation in this area, added Ms Higgins, and a group has been set up with representatives of various interest groups to make recommendations.