asked the Minister for Agriculture the number of local authority dog pounds in existence and if he has satisfied himself with this situation in the event of an outbreak of rabies.
Written Answers. - Local Authority Animal Pounds.
43.
There are about 100 local authority pounds but these were not designed specifically to hold dogs and many of them would probably be unsuitable for holding small animals in the event of an actual outbreak of rabies. The reply given by my predecessor to a similar question on 8 February 1979 described the arrangements which would be made in an emergency and the use which might be made of any suitable local authority facilities already existing in a rabies-infected area.
I am satisfied that in the event of an outbreak of rabies here arrangements for impounding all stray or suspected animals could be made quickly and effectively.