Animals in Limerick are suffering terrible abuse and cruelty and yet repeated pleas for the provision of a full time ISPSCA Inspector, or a dedicated Garda Unit are going unheeded.
That’s according to Aontú Cllr Sarah Beasley who says,
“Sadly, we have a terrible legacy of animal abuse in Limerick and ISPCA staff have been threatened, intimidated and harassed as they tried to go about their business protecting animals”.
“It is both heartbreaking and infuriating and really would make one question the humanity of human beings”.
“It is quite incredible it is now almost 6 years since Limerick has had a dedicated ISPCA Inspector. It is an out and out disgrace”.
“I have called for a dedicated Garda Unit, I put a motion forward to Limerick City Council which received the backing of my fellow Councillors, and I received a reply from the Garda Chief Superintendent to say that no such unit will be established as the Department of Agriculture has the primary responsibility for the care of animals and the Gardai don’t have the resources ”.
I am bitterly disappointed at this.
Nobody is taking any responsibility for this awful animal abuse in our city and county. When you ring regarding an animal being abused or tied up or starving you are told to ring Animal Welfare, but they don’t have the capacity to deal with all the cases of abuse, so you are then told to ring the Department of Agriculture It’s a merry go round.
Cllr Beasley, a long-time animal rights advocate, who has co-written two Dáil Bills around Animal Theft and Animal Cruelty, and brought local animal care charities up to Leinster House says
“Animal charities and shelters are doing their absolute best, but they are stretched to the limit. They are playing a blinder and providing such a necessary service, but it is up to the Local Authority to ensure that an Inspector is employed and that he or she receives the absolute protection and support to do their job”.
“It should go without saying that ISPCA Inspectors should be protected and anyone threatening or trying to intimidate them should face the full rigours of the law. There needs to be protection for those who protect our beautiful animals”.
“We must bring about responsible ownership and stand solidly together against animal cruelty and neglect” .
“We have to be their voice as they can’t speak for themselves”.
“It is unconscionable to be cruel to or neglect animals and I genuinely will not rest until an ISPCA Inspector is employed, backed up by a dedicated and supportive team”.
