Probe after neglected dogs discovered amidst rubbish in derelict shed

An investigation has been launched after two tethered and neglected dogs were rescued from appalling conditions on the outskirts of Cork City yesterday.

The hunting hounds — an emaciated and mange-ridden saluki and a lurcher in a similar condition — were found tied up amidst rubbish in a derelict shed off the Model Farm Rd near Inchagaggin Lane after a concerned member of the public raised the alarm.

The saluki was tied to an over-turned trolley, trapped in a standing position on top of it, and was at risk of strangulation. The lurcher was tied with a heavy chain and rope to a rafter.

The ground was littered with bags of rubbish and scraps of raw meat were strewn everywhere.

Two inspectors from the Cork Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and the city’s dog warden arrived at the scene, cut the dogs free, and took them into care.

CSPCA manager Vincent Cashman said: "We’ve seen a lot worse but it’s not right, the way they were kept.

"Unfortunately, this kind of situation is becoming more prevalent. Hopefully, with the tightening up of the laws like the new Animal Care Act, things should get stricter, giving us extra powers so we can police it better than we are at the moment."

The dogs were taken to the CSPCA headquarters in Mahon, where they were assessed by a vet, wormed, and checked for tags or microchips.

Mr Cashman said that while they will try to establish who owns the animals, "I have no doubt we will be able to find homes for them".

The CSPCA has 48 dogs, rabbits, and birds all waiting to be rehomed. It has one of the highest rehoming rates in the country — 424 dogs were rehomed in Cork alone last year.

Meanwhile, Siptu members at the Donkey Sanctuary in Liscarroll, near Mallow, Co Cork, who have been told that they will be made redundant on May 31, are to ballot for industrial action.

The decision follows the refusal of management to engage with Siptu or to attend a conciliation conference under the auspices of the Labour Relations Commission to discuss the reasons for the redundancies, how the Sanctuary can operate with 12 fewer staff, and the terms of the redundancy package.

Siptu community sector organiser Eddie Mullins said that the union has tried unsuccessfully to engage the company in discussions.

"The company has refused a request from the LRC to intervene in this dispute," said Mr Mullins.