Second dog warden appointed to Co Carlow
Dee Sewell, environmental awareness officer; cllr John Pender, chair of environment SPC; Ann Marie Troy, Carlow dog warden; Padraig O'Gorman, director of services; Liam Carroll, senior executive officer; Sacha Nolan, kennel assistant, Carlow Kilkenny Dog Shelter; and Jannette O'Brien, climate action co Ordinator
AN ADDITIONAL dog warden has been appointed to Co Carlow, bringing the number of full-time dedicated professional dog wardens to two.
Carlow County Council announced the appointment last week, stating that the expansion allows for the provision of a comprehensive dog warden service seven days a week, helping to ensure the welfare and safety of our community’s pets and residents. Financial support for the employment of an additional warden in the county has been provided by the Department of Rural and Community Development.
While the main function of a dog warden is to enforce the , the new dog warden in Carlow has already been proactive in encouraging positive change and responsible pet ownership throughout the county.
“I have been making my presence known by visiting many of the popular public dog walking routes across Carlow town and county over the past four weeks, where I met and chatted with many dog walkers and their dogs,” said Ann Marie Troy, Carlow’s new dog warden.
“Compliance with regulations has been high for the most part, but I have encountered some sticky situations, which have been remedied through dialogue and guidance.
“As well as promoting legal practices such as effectual control and licencing of dogs, I have been offering owners advice on issues relating to canine behaviour.” Ann Marie is encouraging the community of Carlow to come up and say hello when she is on patrol in their area.
The dog warden team in Carlow will continue its house-to-house calls to ensure compliance with dog licencing regulations.
Carlow and Kilkenny county councils are responsible for overseeing dog control within their respective administrative areas and operate a shared service across both counties. The service includes the intake, housing and rehoming of stray and unwanted dogs, ensuring compliance with dog licensing regulations and identifying dogs not under effective control, including those of restricted breeds. Dog wardens also frequently assist An Garda Síochána with dog-related investigations.
The dog shelter in Paulstown has recently undergone significant building and animal welfare upgrades. Enhancements have been made to the animal accommodation to provide a more comfortable and less stressful environment during their stay, including the retrofitting and redesign of existing dog pens, the provision of extra pens to increase capacity and a new outdoor visitor pen with seating.
The facility has also undergone a significant energy retrofit, with a 7.5KWP solar system now supplying power to the office and holding areas, not only reducing emissions but also the energy costs associated with the running of the facility.
“The team at the Carlow/Kilkenny dog shelter are to be commended for providing a safe and comfortable home for dogs who are lost and looking to be reunited with their owners,” said cllr John Pender, who emphasised the importance of responsible dog ownership.
He further stated: “Responsible pet ownership is crucial for the wellbeing of our dogs and our communities. With the addition of the new dog warden and the improved facilities at the dog shelter, we are taking significant steps towards fostering a culture of care and responsibility among dog owners in Co Carlow.”
