Concern at the lack of animal cruelty calls to CSPCA

A councillor has expressed concern about the low number of calls received by The Cork Society for the Protection of Cruelty to Animals (CSPCA) in relation to dog cruelty cases, after it emerged the body fields an average of three calls per week on the issue

Information about Cork City Council’s policy on cruelty to animals cases was provided to Labour councillor John Maher at Monday’s meeting of the local authority, after he asked the Environment, Water and Amenity Strategic Policy committee for a report on animal welfare issues.

The council report said the primary responsibility for animal welfare lies with the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, but Cork City Council has certain responsibilities in relation to dogs under the Control of Dogs Acts, namely the provision of a dog shelter and a dog warden service.

“The CSPCA, as an agent of the council, and reporting to the Parks & Recreation Department, operate these services for the council, having a purpose-built shelter at Mahon and employing three dog wardens,” said the authority.

They said that on average the CSPCA receive approximately three calls a week from across the city in relation to possible dog cruelty cases, “some of which prove to be mischievous”, and endeavour to follow up and investigate them.

“A number of cases are resolved by a visit from the dog warden, surrender of the dog, or if necessary, are further escalated by referral to the ISPCA whose officers have powers under the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013 to investigate such cases and issue fines. Dog Wardens do have powers to issue fines for dog control related issues.”

The council said that while it does not have direct responsibility for animal welfare or a dedicated animal welfare officer, 19 cases of welfare concerns have been reported to them between May 2024 to April 2025, adding that they generally will refer welfare issues to the ISPCA for investigation in the first instance.

Mr Maher said at the council meeting: “If three times a week are all the complaints we’re getting, that is a sign we’re doing something wrong. I get far more by email, by social media and I pass them on.

“The report suggests there’s no problem with animal welfare in Cork city, but we see it, we see it across the city whether it’s dogs, horses or goats and it is something we need to take seriously.”