New ‘leash’ of life for Laois dog warden service
Dog Wardens Tristan Blundell and Serena Flanagan; Cllr Barry Walsh, Cathaoirleach of Laois Co Council, Evelyn Brownrigg LCC and Pat Delaney, Director of Services Laois Co Council at the launch of the Midland Animal Care Limited appointment. Photo: Alf Harvey
LAOIS Co Council has appointed Midland Animal Care Limited for the provision of dog warden services and the management and operation of the dog pound at Ballacolla. The contract is for a period of two years, with two possible extensions, each of 12 months.
Midland Animal Care Ltd was established in 2014 and currently provides dog warden and dog shelter services in several other local authorities.
The dog shelter has an expected throughput of 150-200 dogs per annum and up to 16 dogs in the shelter at any one time. It requires staffing seven days a week as dogs must be checked, fed, watered, exercised daily and kennels must be cleaned.
Commenting on the appointment, Pat Delaney, director of services at Laois Co Council, said: “Laois Co Council is committed to providing the highest quality of care for dogs in the county through the dog warden and dog pound services. We are pleased to appoint Midland Animal Care, who have the skills and experience to provide an excellent service to the people of Laois. We look forward to working closely with the team over the coming years.” Ian Kenny, CEO of Midland Animal Care, said: “Midland Animal Care Ltd are excited to be starting with Laois Co Council and we are looking forward to working with the experienced and caring staff at Laois dog shelter.” Midland Animal Care Ltd. employs two dog wardens, Tristan Blundell and Serena Flanagan, and two kennel assistants, Kieran Delaney and Jessica Shirley, who look after the dog shelter.
Additional funding received from the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht (DRCD) in 2025 enabled the employment of a second dog warden, as well as the extension of the dog shelter’s opening hours.
In 2024 and 2025, Laois Co Council received funding from the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht (DRCD) under the Dog Control Support Initiative, which allowed for refurbishment at Laois dog pound and the purchase of new equipment, as well as a new vehicle for the service.
