Dogs in Cork have been burnt and hung but reports of animal cruelty are declining

Dogs in Cork have been burnt, hung and had acid thrown at them but the number of animal cruelty incidents is falling, the Cork Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals has said. 

Speaking to The Echo, CSPCA manager Vincent Cashman said some dogs have been badly abused or neglected with instances of dogs having no access to food, water or shelter.

“It is rare, but it does happen. Cruelty is not as bad as it used to be, common sense is slowly catching on," he said.

Mr Cashman said there have been gradual improvements in animal welfare over the last 20 to 30 years.

“In the past, we had 2,000 dogs and 4,000 cats wandering the streets, people didn’t care.” 

While the situation has improved, Mr Cashman said they do sometimes take calls from landlords who have found abandoned pets in their vacated properties.

“We get calls from landlords, calling about snakes, guinea pigs, dogs, left behind in the house.” 

He said they can get 15 calls a day.

“You never know what you are walking into,” Mr Cashman said.

“When we get a complaint, we try to work with the people.” 

Mr Cashman urged people not to chain up dogs.

“Chaining up, while not illegal is morally wrong. Build a kennel, chains are for bikes.” 

Animal lovers who would like to donate to the CSPCA can do so by logging onto the CSPCA website; www.cspca.ie, or visiting the centre in Mahon.