Dog wardens seized 15 juvenile dogs after raiding a suspected illegal puppy farm in Galway city last month.
It is understood Galway City Council staff became aware of the location based on a tip-off from the public. No prosecutions are in progress, and instead wardens are pursuing a “re-education” approach, according to officials.
Ten of the dogs have been rehomed already, with five moved to an animal charity in Galway. A spokeswoman for the council advised new dog owners to get their pets checked by a vet if they suspect they came from an illegal breeder, always view the mother of a puppy before purchase, and check with the Irish Kennel Club that a seller is legitimate.
“Owners may not find out about their new puppy’s issues until they bring them to their first vet’s visit, which may reveal problems such as social or breathing problems, overgrown nails, dental disease, parvo virus, hip or elbow dysplasia, heart murmurs, worms, fleas or other issues,” she said.
Galway City Council employs two full-time dog wardens, and issued 1,706 dog licences since the beginning of the year. Over the summer months, the city’s dog wardens issued fines totalling €4,500 under the Control of Dogs Act.
In the wake of a spate of attacks from restricted breeds over the summer, Galway City Council has erected new dog control signage at city beaches. The city’s chief executive, Leonard Cleary, said wardens are planning inspections of dogs in public spaces over coming weeks after a media campaign is launched notifying dog owners of their legal requirements.
For advice and information see wwwPaws.ie or wwwDogsTrust.ie
