A DUBLIN ANIMAL charity was forced to run their weekly clinic from the back of a van after Dublin City Council withdrew permission for the use of their usual premises.
Dogs Aid have been running the clinic in a ground-floor flat in the Joseph Plunkett tower on Balbutcher Lane in Ballymun, Dublin.
The charity were using this space, which was in poor condition and required the use of external generators, with permission from the council, but were requested to leave two weeks ago ahead of the tower’s demolition.
However, no alternative accommodation was provided.
Dogs Aid subsequently found private rented premises before the landlord reneged on his decision to lease the property, citing insurance reasons despite the charity being covered for private liability.
Back of a Hiace van
Last Tuesday night, Dogs Aid held their regular weekly clinic from the back of a van, using the headlamps of volunteer’s cars for light.
Zara Egan, a volunteer with the service, told TheJournal.ie that two dogs which were brought to the clinic that night were old and extremely ill, and had to be put down immediately.
Pet owners queue to attend the clinic on Tuesday night. (Image Credit: Dogs Aid via Facebook)
“Losing a pet is hard at the best of times,” she said, “but losing a pet at the side of the road, this incident was extremely traumatic for the family”.
The clinic, set-up in 1987, runs on donations to treat dogs and other pets at a clinic in Ballymun at as little cost to the animal’s owner as possible.
Zara Egan said that they were treating more than 60 animals per week, and are relied on by many in the community:
“The people of Ballymun don’t have a vet. Some also don’t have the money but have a pet who could be their only companion”
Dublin City Council have agreed to meet with the charity next week. The council were not willing to make a statement ahead of this meeting.
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