Derry City and Strabane District Councillors have raised their considerations concerning the “heart-rending” situations on the canine kennels in Pennyburn.
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It follows the untimely termination of a three-year lease by charity Pet FBI, who stated the kennels had been unfit for goal.
At a full Council assembly on Wednesday, December 13, Waterside DUP Alderman Niree McMorris stated the Council had been notified about points on the kennel, however reviews had probably “downplayed” the problems “and didn’t cover the extent of the issues” .
She continued: “We talk a lot in this chamber about animal welfare, and it’s disheartening that the Council is now part of a big public and media frenzy about the conditions the animals are living in.”
She stated Pet FBI reported welfare points to council officers, like a scarcity of heating, which she claimed “fell on deaf ears”.
The Council’s Chief Executive, John Kelpie, gave “complete assurances” that any steps shall be taken to make sure care was “to the highest standard” and stated {that a} full council report could be offered within the New Year.
Head of Health and Community Wellbeing, Seamus Donaghy stated the kennels met Pet FBI’s wants when the lease started in 2021 and that well being and security checks are taken commonly, however conceded that the power wanted repairs.
“I personally would regard them as minor repairs,” he stated, “but we will carry them out urgently.”
“The reason Pet FBI approached Council was that the rent was substantially less than their previous premises they were renting, and we had a good working relationship with them until the lease was terminated.
“In terms of the kennels’ condition, we periodically carried out inspections and I would stress again that they need minor repairs; chipped plaster, a lick of paint, and probably power washing.”
Foyleside SDLP District Councillor Shauna Cusack, who had raised points with the kennels at Health and Communities assembly final week, concurred with Alderman McMorris’ considerations.
She stated: “We need to move urgently on this, to invest what is needed, and maybe arrange a site visit for some Councillors. We’re out there telling people they need to be responsible dog owners, and Council needs to be a responsible landlord.”
The Moor unbiased District Councillor Gary Donnelly stated the difficulty was “another strand of reputational damage to this Council”.
He stated: “If the council is the body tasked to uphold and look after the welfare of animals and this is happening, I think we need to get to the bottom of this.”
Colr. Cusack over recent days has known as for pressing motion to handle considerations concerning the state of disrepair of the canine kennels at Pennyburn Industrial Estate.
“The photos circulating on social media showing the crumbling and quite frankly, shocking state of the dog kennels at Pennyburn have made for difficult viewing,” she said. “The outrage from the local community is palpable and I’ve been contacted by constituents expressing serious concerns about the welfare of the animals placed here.
“I have challenged Council officers on several occasions on the need for emergency improvements and longer term investment to bring this facility up to standard.
“It of significant concern that these kennels are seemingly unfit for purpose given that demand for the service will likely become more pronounced over the festive period with the increased likelihood of new pet owners abandoning or surrendering animals to the shelter.”
Colr. Cusack continued: “I have called for an onsite inspection, in order for councillors to fully understand the situation and level of intervention required. Be assured that I will push to see that this facility is brought up to scratch, the welfare of the animals should be of utmost priority.
“If we’re calling on the public to be responsible dog owners, it stands to reason that Council should also prove a responsible service provider. Council now have a duty to step in and step up to sustain the service.”
Local Democracy Reporter.
