Council maintain 'their excellent dog re-homing record'

During a recent Health and Environmental Services Committee meeting, members heard that due to the closure of Benvardin USPCA, Council has united with BARK (Benvardin Animal Rescue Kennels) and North Coast Animal Rescue.

The report continued: ‘July 2010 saw the USPCA premises at Benvardin close. Members will be aware of an agreement between the Directorate and the USPCA to assist the Council in re-homing dogs at a cost of 10 per dog. These were animals that due to time constraints Council were unable to re-home themselves. Fortunately the former USPCA’s Manager at Benvardin has now opened kennels at the site under the name “BARK” – Benvardin Animal Rescue Kennels.

‘BARK is willing to co-operate with Council on the re-homing of dogs. However, due to the economic climate and no euthanasia policy the fee will be 25 per dog. The Directorate has also been approached by North Coast Animal Rescue based in Coleraine who are also willing to assist the Council on the same basis.

‘It is recommended by the Directorate that Council avail of these options for the following reasons; to continue to maintain an excellent re-homing record and the economic viability of arrangement i.e. cost to Council of euthanasia of a dog ranges upwards of 35.00 for euthanasia and disposal of a dog – dependant on the size of the animal.’

It was proposed by Cllr John Finlay and seconded by Alderman Frank Campbell.

Speaking at a recent Full Council meeting, Cllr Ian Stevenson praised Council’s ‘good work’ in re-homing dogs.