New dog wardens take over pound from ISPCA in Laois

Midland Animal Care Ltd have been appointed to provide dog warden services in Laois.

Laois County Council has officially appointed Midland Animal Care Ltd for the provision of dog warden services in the county and the management and operation of the dog pound in Ballacolla.

The contract is for a period of two years with two possible extensions, each of twelve months. The contract, which was worth €1 million, was awarded following a tender process.

Before the appointment of Midland Animal Care Ltd, the ISPCA managed Laois Dog Pound since 1998 as part of a longstanding agreement with Laois County Council.

Midland Animal Care Ltd was established in 2014 and currently provides dog warden and dog shelter services for several other Local Authorities, including Carlow, Kilkenny, Meath, Roscommon, Clare and in South Dublin.

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They employ two dog wardens, Tristan Blundell and Serena Flanagan, as well as two kennel assistants, Kieran Delaney and Jessica Shirley, who look after the dog shelter.

The dog shelter in Ballacolla has an expected throughput of 150 - 200 dogs per annum and up to 16 dogs in the Shelter at any one time. It requires staffing 7 days per week as dogs must be checked, fed, watered, exercised daily and kennels must be cleaned.

Additional funding received from the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht in 2025 enabled the employment of a second dog warden, as well as the extension of the dog shelter’s opening hours.

In 2024 and 2025, Laois County Council received funding from the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht under the Dog Control Support Initiative which allowed for the refurbishment of Laois Dog Pound and the purchase of new equipment, as well as a new vehicle for the service.

Commenting on the appointment, Director of Services at Laois County Council, Pat Delaney said: "Laois County Council is committed to providing the highest quality of care for dogs in the county through the dog warden and dog pound services. We are pleased to appoint Midland Animal Care who have the skills and experience to provide an excellent service to the people of Laois. We look forward to working closely with the team over the coming years."

CEO of Midland Animal Care, Ian Kenny, added: "Midland Animal Care Ltd. are excited to be starting with Laois County Council and we are looking forward to working with the experienced and caring staff at Laois Dog Shelter."

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