Laois councillor calls for grants to neuter and microchip family owned dogs and cats

A LAOIS councillor has called on the government to reintroduce grants for neutering and microchipping family owned dogs and cats.

Cllr Aisling Moran proposed the motion at the October meeting of Laois County Council.

She said: “By and large we are responsible pet owners. Pets are very important for our families and for senior citizens. We all have fond memories of our favourite pets growing up.” 

She went on to commend the council “for the progress they have made on providing a designated dog park in Portlaoise, which I am delighted to note will be operational before the end of the year. I know my colleague cllr Marie Tuohy and her husband and former councillor Noel have been pursuing this facility for some time.” 

Cllr Moran said: “We all love our cats and dogs. But they can also prove expensive. That’s why I am calling for the government to restore the grants to support the responsible neutering and micro-chipping of dogs and cats, as the cost of doing so can be prohibitive and a big deterrent with all the problems they can bring such as unwanted litters, stray and feral cats and so on.

“It would be a good initiative, yield real benefits in animal welfare and the overall public good and be appreciated by those who, in the present cost of living crises, simply cannot afford what can be a fairly costly trip to the vet.

"I would also like to take this opportunity to commend Laois County Council’s Dog Warden Service, animal welfare activists such as the LSPCA and CARA and our excellent local vets who are all helpful and proactive in this area. At this time of year too, they often advise people to really consider the responsibilities of having a pet and to consider re-homing a rescue dog, rather than splashing out on the expense of a new puppy and that too would be beneficial all round.” 

Agreeing cllr Marie Tuohy said: "Neutering can be expensive and a lot of people can’t afford it which can lead to unwanted puppies. Microchipping is also needed to identify lost of stolen dogs. It would lead to responsible ownership.” 

Cllr Vivienne Phelan, who is a qualified vet said: “Neutering and microchipping is part of my work. We are animal lovers in Ireland. But in some respects, we’re somewhat lax in relation to responsible ownership. You’d be surprised how many people don’t understand the benefit of neutering. I’d also like to include an education campaign in cllr Moran’s proposal.” 

She went on to acknowledge the work of all the voluntary animal rescue organisations in Laois.

“There’s a lot of people in them putting in massive hours, preventing problems and raising awareness,” she said.

Cllr John Joe Fennelly asked: “Is there not a time of the year that used to provide this free service or is it totally gone? There used to be in the month of February where that service was free” 

Cllr Phelan said: “It’s gone. But some of the rescue organisations have their own (subsided neutering services) with the funding coming down from centralised (Government) funding. Some also do their own fundraising and provide local initiatives.” 

Cllr Moran said: “It’s quite expensive for people who may not be able to afford it, living on a pension or on social welfare. They just don’t have that extra money. A friend of mine took her dog to be natured last week and it cost her €220. It’s a lot of money for somebody who is only getting €230 a week.” 

Councillors agreed to send a letter to both the Minister for Housing and the Minister for Agriculture seeking their approval to reintroduce the grant scheme.