Dead dogs not stored properly, says leaked report on CSPCA

Dead dogs at a Cork shelter are not being stored properly, according to a leaked report into the Cork Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

Carcasses are heaped into a freezer unbagged, the report stated, leaving “bodily fluids and materials” to seep out.

The report follows two inspections by vets at Cork County Council. On their second visit — which was unannounced — inspectors found the situation had “deteriorated significantly”.

The council authorised the inspections following complaints of animal neglect and cruelty at the CSPCA.

A CSPCA spokesman said it was cheaper to run the freezer when full and the practice of “bagging” would be introduced when the freezer was emptied.

“The animals are stored in a freezer before they are brought to a registered knackery for incineration. Some were not bagged. We don’t empty the freezer until it is full and we are getting there,” said Brian McDonagh, CSPCA spokesman.

Following a random inspection on Jun 6, inspectors found “excessive quantities of faeces evident in some kennels”.

Mr McDonagh said this was because a newly-employed kennel manager was slow and meticulous in his work methods.

“We explained to the vets at the time that this new employee was meticulous in his cleaning, a bit slow to get the work done.

“Also, the inspection was early in the day and how clean the kennels are depends on the time of day,” he said.

Mr McDonagh said €100,000 has been spent in recent weeks upgrading the kennels with a new drainage system, concrete yard, increased capacity and a new isolation unit. As a result of the inspections, Mr McDonagh said, dogs not suitable for rehoming, including “excessively noisy, aggressive, and unhealthy dogs and dogs that came with a bad reputation” would be put to sleep instead of being rehomed.

He also defended the CSPCA’s practice of not carrying out background checks on new owners, saying to do so was a “nonsense”. “They [background checks] put up more obstacles than anything else. We charge €100 for dogs, that puts a value on them,” he said.

Councillors have been asked not to comment on the report until a closed meeting with city officials takes place on Monday.