asked the Minister for Justice the number of pounds in the City of Dublin, the amount of accommodation for straying animals at each of these pounds, and the number of persons employed at each.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers - Dublin City Pounds.
67.
The number of pounds in the city of Dublin is three. Particulars of the accommodation at each pound is in the form of a tabular statement, which will, with your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, be circulated with the Official Report.
The number of persons employed at each pound is a matter for the pound-keeper.
Following is the statement:—
POUNDS in City of Dublin.
|
Location of Pound |
Accommodation Provided |
|
|
1. |
Cabra Lodge, Cabra |
6¼ acres, with lairage. |
|
2. |
Barn Elms, Churchtown |
1¼ acres, with lairage |
|
3. |
Inchicore House, Inchicore |
15 perches, with lairage. |
68.
asked the Minister for Justice if he will describe in some detail the method of operation of pounds in the City of Dublin, including reference to such matters as the method of appointment of staff, the method of collection of straying animals, and the amount of fines or charges paid for animals kept in the pound; whether such fines or charges are paid by the owners of the animals; whether they are sufficient to offset the cost of collection and maintenance of straying animals in all cases; and if he will state the rates of pay and conditions of work of pound staff, and the method of disposal of unclaimed animals, etc.
The operation of pounds is regulated by the provisions of the Pounds (Provision and Maintenance) Act, 1935 and the Regulations made thereunder. The principal Regulations are the Pounds Regulations, 1938, which were amended by the Pounds (Amendment) Regulations, 1959.
Dublin Corporation is responsible for the provision and maintenance of pounds in the City of Dublin, and for the appointment of Pound-Keepers.
Straying animals are collected by the Gardaí or other persons, and are taken to the pounds either on foot or by transport.
The fees payable by the owners of impounded animals, or by persons impounding animals, vary from 2/- per day for a sheep to 15/- per day for a brood mare.
The fees, which were substantially increased in 1959, are intended to cover the cost of maintenance of the animals, but not the cost of collection. I have received no suggestion that the maintenance fees are not adequate.
Unclaimed animals are, by direction of the District Court, sold by the Gardaí, and the proceeds, after deduction of fees and expenses, are paid to the local authority.
The conditions on which pounds are provided and maintained are matters for agreement between the PoundKeeper and Dublin Corporation.
69.
asked the Minister for Justice if he will take steps to increase the number of pounds in the City of Dublin in the near future.
The provision and maintenance of pounds in the City of Dublin is the responsibility of Dublin Corporation. The Corporation have been asked to provide two pounds in addition to the present three pounds, and have informed me that they are continuing their efforts to provide the additional pounds.