Ashton Pound being investigated

rainagain · 31-07-2020 10:57am #1

From Dublin Live website today (I can't post link, sorry) - Ashton Pound have the contract for three Dublin councils (Fingal, Dublin City Council and South Dublin CC). Unpleasant reading but I'm glad it's being investigated.

"Ashton Dog Pound under garda investigation after claims dogs given lethal drug by untrained staff.

A Dublin pound is under investigation by gardai after a number of dogs were allegedly improperly administered a lethal drug by untrained staff members.

Two dogs, a Bichon Frise and an Akita, were allegedly given Dolethal, a controlled drug normally only used by trained vets, on Friday.

The Bichon Frise suffered a suspected overdose and was found dead the next day while it is alleged the Akita was left to suffer horribly for days until it was taken into the care of gardai.

The dogs were due to be euthanized because they were vicious.

It's understood inspectors from the Department of Agriculture are assisting with the investigation.

A garda spokesman told Dublin Live investigations into the case are ongoing.

He said: "Gardaí are investigating an Animal Welfare incident in Ashtown, Dublin. No further information available. Investigations are ongoing."

Dublin Live has contacted Ashton Dog Pound for comment."
https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.dublinlive.ie/news/dublin-news/ashton-dog-pound-under-garda-18691664.amp

The Unbearables · 31-07-2020 10:58am

Only been up there the once and my god it's grim. Hope this isn't true.

Gael23 · 31-07-2020 12:59pm

It should be shut down if it is.
If the Akita is vicious I imagine it has a grim fate despite being rescued

tk123 · 31-07-2020 1:20pm

The vet in the article is the head vet where we go. I find him great, just has loads of ideas when something isn’t working, B can be nervous but is relaxed around him. He saw Lucy for her final visit when they weren’t even open and was just so compassionate.

Gael23 · 31-07-2020 2:53pm

Surely there is a criminal case here if these allegations are proven?

Cherry Blossom · 31-07-2020 3:42pm

OP, please note that where you are quoting a news article you must provide a link to the original source.

mojesius · 31-07-2020 3:50pm

That place is a right kip, has always been a kip and should be shut down and the license given to someone else.

Compare them with the likes of Meath pound or Roscommon pound, they are world's apart. Both of these pounds are far more active about trying to find rescue places/homes for dogs and facilities are world's apart.

rainagain · 31-07-2020 5:03pm

Cherry Blossom wrote: »

OP, please note that where you are quoting a news article you must provide a link to the original source.

I couldn't as I am new to boards.

Cherry Blossom · 31-07-2020 5:27pm

rainagain wrote: »

I couldn't as I am new to boards.

Ok, I forgot new users cant post links. Apologies.

kathleen37 · 31-07-2020 5:40pm

Please be aware, this is really grim reading

https://gript.ie/exclusive-ashton-dog-pound-searched-by-gardai-over-animal-welfare-concerns/?fbclid=IwAR26nmjSp7HR-QrnJUBHf7Cd7nqF1Lbu1Y4h8QjbPrqOYud_GDCR0WgM0S0

Alun · 31-07-2020 6:03pm

kathleen37 wrote: »

Please be aware, this is really grim reading

https://gript.ie/exclusive-ashton-dog-pound-searched-by-gardai-over-animal-welfare-concerns/?fbclid=IwAR26nmjSp7HR-QrnJUBHf7Cd7nqF1Lbu1Y4h8QjbPrqOYud_GDCR0WgM0S0

I was going to post that link too. You can tell just by looking at the state of the buildings and the cages those poor dogs are being kept in that they don't give a damn. How did they get and keep their contract? Does nobody ever inspect the place?

LorelaiG · 01-08-2020 10:56am

tk123 wrote: »

The vet in the article is the head vet where we go. I find him great, just has loads of ideas when something isn’t working, B can be nervous but is relaxed around him. He saw Lucy for her final visit when they weren’t even open and was just so compassionate.

Yeah so compassionate that he allows untrained people to deliver doses of a lethal drug so he doesn't have to waste his time hanging around. My dog was pts last year. It didn't take that long from sedation to giving the final injection. He's being paid to do this so it's not like he's doing it on a voluntary basis. His licence needs to be stripped and charges pressed against him for cruelty to animals.

tk123 · 01-08-2020 11:24am

LorelaiG wrote: »

Yeah so compassionate that he allows untrained people to deliver doses of a lethal drug so he doesn't have to waste his time hanging around. My dog was pts last year. It didn't take that long from sedation to giving the final injection. He's being paid to do this so it's not like he's doing it on a voluntary basis. His licence needs to be stripped and charges pressed against him for cruelty to animals.

We have have what I would class as an extremely right wing organisation’s account of what is happening there. I do not subscribe to their belief system and they would class me as a murderer due to my voting preference ..
Would love to see another account.. that isn’t Dublin Live churning out somebody’s else’s work. I’m not saying the place isn’t a hell hole but I’d rather see a more main stream and balanced report...ie owners/staff being questioned in the article and not just one person. The other crying vet - who are they and why wouldn’t they give their name? The owners will more than likely walk free here.

Gael23 · 01-08-2020 2:42pm

That vet should lose his licence. He has knowingly stood over animal cruelty. Although the management of Ashton have failed in their duty of care and again stood over this neglect.

There are too many things wrong in this case for the facility to remain open

rainagain · 01-08-2020 4:44pm

The pound has been the subject of questions in official council meetings before.

Dublin City Council cllr asked this question at official DCC meeting in March this year, but I don't know what the answer was (Iink to pdf)
https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&url=https://councilmeetings.dublincity.ie/mgConvert2PDF.aspx?ID=27543&ved=2ahUKEwil0seurfrqAhVRr3EKHbMWBpQQFjAPegQIChAB&usg=AOvVaw2owPjBwgOaS3cn7kGcx-TU&cshid=1596296953208

COUNCILLOR CIERAN PERRY
To ask the Chief Executive in relation to the Dog Pound, can the Chief Executive
answer the following questions?:
a) When is the contract with Ashton Pound due for renewal?
b) What is the current cost of the contract?
c) Do all four Local Authorities have a contract with Ashton Pound?

rainagain · 01-08-2020 4:48pm

Fingal Council last year. I hope a thorough investigation happens.

"Call for new dog rescue centre for Fingal is rejected
May 04 2019 12:00 AM

Calls for the council, in conjunction with other Dublin local authorities, to construct a purpose built dog rescue centre in Fingal were opposed by Fingal County Council's executive recently, despite councillors claiming an existing facility at Ashtown was not being run in a 'satisfactory' manner.

A motion at a recent council meeting heard that the operation of the rescue centre in Ashtown was an 'absolute disgrace.'"

Full article
https://amp.independent.ie/regionals/fingalindependent/news/call-for-new-dog-rescue-centre-for-fingal-is-rejected-38061395.html

Fakediamond · 01-08-2020 11:15pm

mojesius wrote: »

That place is a right kip, has always been a kip and should be shut down and the license given to someone else.

Compare them with the likes of Meath pound or Roscommon pound, they are world's apart. Both of these pounds are far more active about trying to find rescue places/homes for dogs and facilities are world's apart.

And Carlow/Kilkenny.
I called in there unannounced one grey and rainy day to ask about a dog. I was shown around and all the dogs were in there individual little “cells” with cosy beds on legs and heaters on in every one of them. I was super impressed! And I know they go above and beyond to find homes, to get veterinary care, and to release dogs to rescue centres. I’m sure their budget is no where near as big as Fingal’s so it just shows what can be done with a bit of determination and commitment.

eviltwin · 01-08-2020 11:20pm

I adopted my dog from Ashton. The place is every bit as disgusting as reports say. My dog is long haired and was covered in piss and faeces. He hair was so long he could barely see and had matted hair all over his body. The place stinks, it’s dark and cold and no place for an animal. I can’t understand why after numerous reports to the council and protests it’s still functioning as is.

Evening star · 08-08-2020 11:22pm

LorelaiG wrote: »

Yeah so compassionate that he allows untrained people to deliver doses of a lethal drug so he doesn't have to waste his time hanging around. My dog was pts last year. It didn't take that long from sedation to giving the final injection. He's being paid to do this so it's not like he's doing it on a voluntary basis. His licence needs to be stripped and charges pressed against him for cruelty to animals.

I agree completly.

Evening star · 08-08-2020 11:23pm

Gael23 wrote: »

That vet should lose his licence. He has knowingly stood over animal cruelty. Although the management of Ashton have failed in their duty of care and again stood over this neglect.

There are too many things wrong in this case for the facility to remain open

I agree.

Dubl07 · 09-08-2020 12:16pm

I visited this pound in 2014 and it stank to high heaven. I couldn't raise a member of staff on the phone, by shouting or beeping my horn. I gave up in abject disgust.

09-08-2020 12:25pm

Must have gone downhill. We adopted two from Ashton back in 2009.

Wasn't a great place but we didn't see any neglect either.

Compared to the adoption crowd that consistently refused us any dogs because we were both working (wife part-time) and our garden wasn't big enough.

muddypaws · 10-08-2020 5:01pm

Niner leprauchan wrote: »

Must have gone downhill. We adopted two from Ashton back in 2009.

Wasn't a great place but we didn't see any neglect either.

Compared to the adoption crowd that consistently refused us any dogs because we were both working (wife part-time) and our garden wasn't big enough.

Rescues, one in particular, used to work very hard with the pound back then. That relationship ended a few years ago unfortunately

Springwell · 12-08-2020 9:01pm

Nagle will lose his license if those allegations are true - Dolethal shouldn't ever be in the hands of anyone without a license either. Using phenobarb orally is a recognized shelter medicine technique and approved by the AVMA but the vet should be present.

Dahdum · 23-08-2020 12:09pm

Just heard on the news that gardai have seized 32 dogs from a property in swords (possibly stolen) and have taken them to Ashton pound.

I would have thought given the pound is currently under investigation, that maybe they would cease bringing more unfortunate souls to the place? Would have thought they’ve been through enough at this stage.......

bertiebomber · 23-08-2020 4:53pm

at least they can t kill them as they are under garda scrutiny

Gael23 · 23-08-2020 8:19pm

bertiebomber wrote: »

at least they can t kill them as they are under garda scrutiny

I’m sure they have the syringes filled and ready and

Gael23 · 07-08-2021 4:23pm

Charges being laid in relation to this https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/courtandcrime/arid-40354196.html?fbclid=IwAR3uJUibm01tn_hEBHyUo6JW__io110oCyg1qYJjJhP091ZtP8PpMYo9y8M

Gael23 · 27-02-2023 5:27pm

The owner has been given a €30,000 fine and lost the contract with DCC. Progress but he should have gone to jail IMO

dashoonage · 27-02-2023 5:37pm

I knew before I even went looking who the judge was going to be.

ohnonotgmail · 27-02-2023 5:51pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120294775#Comment_120294775

Has the vet had his trial yet? The worker who blew the whistle on the mistreatment was awarded 18K by the WRC

https://www.breakingnews.ie/ireland/dublin-dog-pound-operators-ordered-to-pay-e18000-to-warden-who-reported-alleged-abuses-1372966.html

Gael23 · 27-02-2023 8:42pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120294891#Comment_120294891

No not yet as far as I’m aware. Has he been struck off as a vet?

ohnonotgmail · 27-02-2023 8:50pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120295438#Comment_120295438

Still registered as a vet

muddypaws · 28-02-2023 10:56pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120294775#Comment_120294775

I disagree that it's progress, he's a very rich man, the fine is peanuts to him. He lost the contract last year.

anewme · 28-02-2023 11:14pm

No surprises given who the judge was.

Owner pleaded ignorance and embarrassment. Same owners who were held accountable by the WRC of how the whistleblower was treated.

Would anyone know which vet provided a reference for Stone?. Does anyone know if this is a matter of public record?

The other trials are in 2024.

The only upside is that the hellhole that is Ashton is no more. Thinking especially of Martina Comerford who campaigned endlessly but is not here to see the result. RIP

Gael23 · 01-03-2023 11:40am

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120299718#Comment_120299718

Its public damage to his reputation I suppose.

Anawilliam850 · 01-03-2023 2:18pm

I'm sorry to hear about this concerning news. It's important that incidents of animal welfare are thoroughly investigated and those responsible are held accountable for any wrongdoing. It's good to hear that the authorities are taking the matter seriously and are carrying out an investigation. I hope that the dogs affected receive justice and that measures are put in place to prevent similar incidents from happening in the future.

muddypaws · 01-03-2023 11:38pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120301317#Comment_120301317

The investigation concluded a long time ago and people have been charged.

hamburgham · 01-03-2023 11:47pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120295457#Comment_120295457

Are vets ever disciplined by the Veterinary Council? They seem to turn a blind eye to everything and it seems to be very hard to be struck off as a vet.

I saw an article in the Sunday Times last week which estimated Ireland’s puppy farm industry to be worth E120 million. The vets are obviously getting a nice cut of that, turning a blind eye to all sorts and signing off on it all. The article is well worth reading.

Gael23 · 03-07-2024 4:34am

€500 Fine. How insulting https://www.sundayworld.com/crime/courts/ex-manager-of-dublin-dog-pound-fined-after-euthanasia-drug-illegally-given-in-food/a1825250408.html?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR31iqGzv5hQQaDQNv6Orfm7hGLY6bemNxSLazbBXBeM9FYDHqSOGiwKSIU_aem_QAgbxNYP6-smwr_7s9n0xA

anewme · 07-07-2024 3:51pm

disgrace.

Oscar_Madison · 08-07-2024 2:24pm

I know someone who got a rescue dog around August 2020- it came from Ashton to another much better rescue centre - it had been in Ashton for about a month- it was still in rag order- they did nothing for that poor dog when in Ashton - I wouldn’t mind but it’s not like we’re in an economic downturn or anything - quite the opposite - no reason for a rescue centre not to be in good shape

DBB · 08-07-2024 11:27pm

Just for clarity, Ashton was not a rescue centre. It was a county council pound, where dogs were brought when found straying (by the dog warden), when seized (by the dog warden), when surrendered (by owners).

Council pounds have a statutory duty to deal with stray, seized and surrendered dogs, and haven't historically had a duty of care over and above just holding on to dogs on behalf of the State.

Many of them have upped their game in this regard in recent years, and they do rehome dogs, but the level of effort put into the process is generally nowhere near that of rescue centres... which are pretty much exclusively privately owned and/or charities.

Ashton is no longer operating as the pound for Dublin. Thankfully. It was a horrible place.

anewme · 08-07-2024 11:41pm

The new dog pound in Newcastle is worlds away from Ashton abd dies their best for animals in their care. They are struggling with volumes of dogs, particularly bull breeds.

DBB · 08-07-2024 11:45pm

Bull breeds, lurchers and collies filling every pound and rescue in the country 😔

Ashton Pound being investigated

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