Offaly dog shelter cared for 195 dogs in 2025

THE Offaly County Council Dog Shelter cared for 195 dogs during 2025, the recent meeting of Offaly County Council was told.
The Shelter, which is located on Daingean Road, Cappincur, Tullamore (R35 NW28) said that on average 15% of the dogs are reclaimed by their owners, 15% are rehomed by the Care of Dogs Team and the other 70% are rehomed through animal rescue charities.
The County Council meeting was also told that the Control of Dogs team dealt with 107 complaints in 2025, including dog licence issues, straying dogs, dealing with dangerous dogs, and sheep attacks.
The Council received 30 applications for the registration of XL Bullys and all applications had been completed and dealt with. “We have issued 28 exemption certificates,” the Councillors were told, “refused one and sadly one dog died during the certification process. The Dog Warden and Kennel Assistant have also received training, organised by the Department of Rural and Community Development (DRCD) and the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, regarding identifying XL Bullys and implementing the regulations. They will also be attending further training in the use of advanced animal control equipment and tactical approaches to dealing with the implications of the regulations.”
With support from the DRCD and the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM), through the Dog Control Support Initiative Grant the Council has continued to improve the Dog Shelter, including upgrading the heating system to high, modern standards, that can be powered from the planned solar panels; making improvements to the laundry, storage and cleaning facilities; and making improvements to the public reception area and canteen facilities. The DAFM has provided the Dog Control Support Initiative Grant for 2026 and the Council is currently planning the upgrading works.
Councillors were also told that the Council dealt with 25 Control of Horses complaints during 2025 and it had to seize and rehome one horse.