Vol. 490 No. 2
210 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the ISPCA dog pound in Roscommon is using a bolt gun to kill stray dogs; and if he will intervene to stop this barbaric practice. [9945/98]
Local authorities are required to arrange for the destruction of unwanted dogs in a humane manner.
The preferred method of canine euthanasia among leading animal welfare organisations is the use of intravenous injection of pentobarbitone sodium. Other approved methods include shooting with a free bullet pistol or captive bolt, provided the operator is competent and properly trained.
In a recent assessment of different animal euthanasia methods the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals described the captive bolt method as very rapid, of high efficiency and acceptable for the destruction of dogs.
While most local authorities use intravenous injection as the method of destruction, a small number, including Roscommon County Council, continue to use the captive bolt.
I am assured that the captive bolt, properly used, is a humane means of destroying unwanted dogs.
