Lynn Boylan (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State for outlining the valuable work the shelters do, because we know the pounds rely on them to move the dogs on that are not reclaimed in the pounds so that they are not euthanised. It is welcome that the figures for euthanasia have gone down year on year. That said, we have a particular issue this year because of the rush to buy dogs during Covid-19 and, post-Covid-19, those dogs now being surrendered. There is a need for a short-term emergency measure to engage with those shelters that do not have capacity.They are openly saying they cannot take more dogs. That is a concern because, while we are not excusing people surrendering their dogs, if they cannot do so they will find other ways to get rid of them. There is nothing to address that very short-term issue we have this year, particularly post Covid. I hope the Minister of State will take back to the Department that we are in a unique situation this year and it requires an emergency plan.