A NEW campaign is calling for the introduction of a cruelty to animals offenders’ register to name and shame thieves and torturers.
Fears are growing on the Southside that the number of incidents of cruelty and torture – and in particular, cases of animals being stolen to order – are increasing.
The DSPCA recently issued an appeal for dog owners to be extra vigilant following an upsurge in reports of stolen pets.
According to the DSPCA, it is proving to be big business for well organised criminal groups as stolen dogs are usually sold on or kept for breeding.
“We are hugely concerned with the increase in
‘dognapping’ as it is commonly referred to,
? stated Brian Gillen, chief executive of the DSPCA.
“Not only does it cause huge anguish to the owners but the dogs themselves are put through horrendous situations.
?
The situation has proved particularly worrying on the Southside where locals say that leaflets and posters appealing for help in tracing missing pets are becoming all too common in the area.
According to Fianna Fail councillor Trevor Gilligan, it is
“an ever increasing occurrence that we hear of acts of cruelty on animals and dogs being stolen from homes, cars and parks
?.
“The fear is that this is not just a few young lads being cruel to animals but that there are gangs roving around parts of the Southside targeting pets that they can steal and sell on,
? he said.
“When they cannot make any money they kill the pet, it’s as simple as that.
“For many animal lovers their pet is like a family member.
“We need action now,
? he added.
“We need laws and appropriate sentencing. I am calling on Southsiders to help me in my efforts to get a cruelty to animals offenders’ register set up so we can name and shame offenders.
?
Cllr Gilligan highlighted the recent case of a local Clondalkin woman who had her five-month-old terrier cross dog stolen from her while out walking along the canal at the 10th Lock in March.
“The dog was wearing a collar, tag and was microchipped so she could have been easily returned,
? Cllr Gilligan said.
“But the dog was found dead on the evening of Thursday, April 11. She had sustained horrendous injuries. It appears this was result of a crime that involved theft and a possible ransom, which resulted in the dog being killed.
“This was a beautiful dog that had been rescued from a pound as a small puppy and was loved by her family, yet evil took her away and cruelly disposed of her.
“I cannot imagine the pain her owners are going through. She and all the other animals subjected to cruelty deserve our attention and action.
?
He added:
“These offenders must be caught and brought to justice.
“We as a society have the right to live in our community where we can treasure our family pets and not fear that they will be stolen, used for criminal gains, unlawful dog baiting or tortured. People cannot simply be allowed to get away with animal torture.
?
Cllr Gilligan has set up a Facebook page calling for a register to be established and has urged those who support the initiative to contact him at info@trevorgilligan.com