CSPCA chief lauds improved standards
Vincent Cashman was speaking after the CSPCA’s AGM which came at the end of a difficult year for the organisation.
It has been plagued for months by allegations of animal neglect and cruelty, which it claims were part of a co-ordinated “hate campaign”.
The complaints prompted an independent review of its Mahon facility last summer by county council veterinary inspectors. Their report found no evidence of cruelty but flagged several issues of concern, including the storage of unbagged dog carcasses in a freezer, unsatisfactory paper records, and the standard of the centre’s dog kennels.
Mr Cashman acknowledged that there had been “failings” at the centre.
But in his first report as manager, he told the AGM on Tuesday that, since September, the centre has passed two veterinary department inspections.
Minor recommendations issued afterwards will be implemented within a few days, he said.
Steps to modernise the centre’s standard operating procedures are being put in place, and a written protocol will soon be in place for all of its activities, he added.
He also outlined a range of recent improvements, including:
nThe installation of a full roof over the kennel area
nThe full introduction of micro-chipping of all dogs leaving the premises to fulfil its obligations under the dog breeding establishments bill
nThe conversion of an old puppy area into an aviary
nThe development of an agility yard to the rear of the kennel area
nThe introduction of kiranda dog beds
nChanges to display boards giving visitors to the centre a description of each dog available for adoption.
He said he wants to draw a line under the allegations and move forward.
“As we near the 150th year of the CSPCA, together we can make it as centre of excellence for animal welfare not only in Cork, but in Ireland as a whole, and I am personally proud to be part of its ever brightening future,” he said.
Like other charities, Mr Cashman said, the CSPCA is dealing with reduced funding and increased need.
While it is understood that the charity has stabilised its financial position, Mr Cashman said careful planning is needed “to ensure the CSPCA can rise to the many and varied challenges ahead”.
Mr Cashman, a falconer, took over as manager earlier this year and brings a wealth of animal welfare experience to the post after spending almost a decade working as a warden at Fota Wildlife Park.
Since Mr Cashman’s appointment, the CSPCA has re-established its dog-walking and volunteer programme.
Mr Cashman will assume the role of cruelty investigation officer, a post that has been vacant since Ted O’Connor retired.
CONNECT WITH US TODAY
Be the first to know the latest news and updates
