A proposal has gone through Laois County Council asking the Government to re-introduce their targeted Neutering and Microchipping programme for dogs and cats.
Independent Councillor Aisling Moran tabled the motion, asking Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Darragh O’Brien TD, and Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Charlie McConalogue TD, to address the matter.
“Pets are very important for our families, for senior citizens, and we all have fond memories of our pets growing up,” Cllr Moran said.
“We all love our cats and our dogs, but they can be very expensive.
“That’s why I’m calling for the Government to restore the grants to support responsible neutering and microchipping of pets.
“The cost of doing so, at present, can be prohibitive and a big deterrent, with the problems that can bring, such as unwanted litters and stray and feral cats.”
The motion was endorsed by Labour Councillor Marie Tuohy and Fine Gael Councillor Vivienne Phelan.
“Microchipping is needed to identify lost or stolen animals and enhances more responsible animals ownership,” Cllr Tuohy said.
Cllr Phelan, who is a veterinary surgeon by profession, said: “We’re quite lax (in Ireland) in terms of responsible pet ownership.”
The Fine Gael Councillor also suggested the Government introduce public education as part of the proposed Neutering and Microchipping programme.
Mr Simon Walton, Interim Chief Executive of Laois County Council, also noted that new XL Bully regulations.
These regulations have implications regarding the ownership of this breed of dog, and will come into affect in February 2025.
From that date, it will be illegal to own an XL Bully dog without a Certificate of Exemption provided by Local Authorities.
The Certificate of Exemption will be unique to each XL Bully type dog and owner.
It will specify the dog’s licence details, microchip details, neutering details, age and description.
It will also specify the dog owner’s name, address, date of birth and contact number.
No fee will be charged for a Certificate of Exemption.
Any owner found to be in breach of the regulations will have committed an offence under the Control of Dogs Act.
The dog may be seized and euthanized.
A fine of up to €2,500, or imprisonment of a term of up to 3 months, or both, will apply to the owner.
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