Vets put down 21,357 pets a year

MORE THAN 20,000 pets are being put down each year at a cost of €2 million to taxpayers.

Irish vets are being forced to put down the 20,000 animals, mainly in dog pounds, due to irresponsible pet ownership.

Intensive neutering of all domestic pets, vets argue, is needed to solve Ireland's over-population problem.

The Government, which backed a Spay Week campaign last year, has withdrawn its financial support due to cutbacks.

However, British charity Dogs Trust has rowed in behind Irish vets with €14,000 in donations towards the 2003 Spay Week, which started yesterday.

Bray-based vet Pete Wedderburn said last year's successful campaign possibly prevented over 10,000 unwanted pets being born.

The ISPCA, the animal cruelty prevention organisation, said a total of 21,357 dogs were put down in its 18 pounds countywide last year. The Irish figures are similar to those in England and Wales where, however, there is a significantly higher number of dog owners. "We believe there are between 10 and 15 times more pet owners in Britain than in Ireland," he said

"It would point to Irish pet owners being less responsible," Mr Wedderburn said.

Specialising in treating companion pets, he said: "It's soul-destroying to have to put down a healthy animal.

"It's okay to put down a pet in the latter stages of its life, to prevent suffering, but putting down a perfectly healthy animal with a good temperament goes against the best instincts of a vet."

Alistair Keen director of operators with the ISPCA, said: "People don't think of their responsibilities when they take on a pet such as the vet's fees, as well as control and feeding." He also condemned the 'latch-door attitude' of homeowners. "If a pet strays and doesn't come home, they just go out and get another one."

Irish vets, meanwhile, are fully supporting Spay Week Ireland, which encourages owners to have their pets neutered.

As an incentive, pet owners can avail of reduced neutering fees. In most cases, the operation will be completed for one-third of the normal price.

Mr Wedderburn said the discount scheme last year possibly prevented more than 10,000 unwanted puppies. Organisers, he said, were hoping to exceed that figure this year.

The scheme, he said, could help achieve an acceptable level of stray dogs within two years through a universal neutering of all male and female pet dogs.

Mr Wedderburn said in many countries, governments have adopted strategies to encourage neutering, such as discounted dog licences for neutered animals.

However, he noted the Department of Environment withdrew funding of €10,000, specifically used last year to promote awareness of the neutering programme.