Extra Laois Dog Warden to be recruited by ISPCA as service expands

Laois is getting a second dog warden, with an expansion of Laois Dog Warden Services.

Stray dogs in the county will not only have a second warden on patrol to catch them, but Laois dog pound is also going to be open an extra day, for six days a week.

Laois County Council confirmed the expansion of the ISPCA's Laois Dog Warden Service, at the June meeting of Portlaoise Municipal District. 

It comes after Cllr Tommy Mulligan tabled a motion asking the council to give an out of hours facility for stray dogs that are picked up by the public.

"I was contacted by a fella who picked up a German Shepherd on the Mountrath Road, he had no-one to contact, he put it on social media and two days later the owner got in contact. This is a regular occurrence at weekends," Cllr Mulligan said.

He welcomed the service expansion as "great news, it will make a big improvement".

Cllr Caroline Dwane Stanley seconded his motion with a similar tale.

"One lady took in a little dog and nearly had it for the weekend. It got back to its owner. I know other cases where the dogs didn't get back. It is great we are getting an improved service," she said.

Laois Dog Pound is currently closed on Wednesdays and Sundays. The pound has dogs and cats available for home adoption, including Rosie, a collie terrier cross, 18 months old who was found abandoned in a remote area with her two siblings.

Rosie the dog available for adoption at Laois Dog Pound.

The ISPCA Dog Warden Service says it is is seeking "an enthusiastic Dog Warden to expand our team in Co. Laois".

It is to be a full-time, fixed-term position based in Ballacolla, with a salary of €30,000-€35,000 depending on experience. The hours are Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.

"We’re seeking a trustworthy, reliable and confident person with the ability and initiative to “get stuck in” with the rest of our team.

Read also: ISPCA inspector disturbed after rescue of puppies and dogs in Laois

"We require that the applicant has excellent animal handling experience particularly with canines,  basic level of education to include written and spoken English. A keen interest in animal welfare. Good communication and organisational skills. The ability to work efficiently under pressure, as part of a team and on their own initiative. Resilience and the ability to cope with potentially distressing and emotional situations. A full clean driving licence.

Awareness of dog laws, experience of caring for sick animals, disease control and preparation of evidence for courts will be an advantage. Details on the ISPCA website.