The PAWS animal Shelter in Mullinahone is facing possible closure if improvements cannot be made to satisfy conditions imposed by Tipperary County Council.
The shelter employs 8 people on a part time basis and typically has upwards of 80 dogs on site. PAWS seeks to rehome dogs that may have been surrendered to the shelter, rescued or taken from the County Council’s Dog pound.
A total of 178 dogs were surrendered or seized by the Council’s dog wardens in 2024. 93 of these dogs were sent to rescue, 22 were reclaimed by their owners, 13 were rehomed and 50 were put to sleep according to the Council’s Management report.
PAWS is one of three animal shelters in the county. The Council’s Veterinarian and Environmental staff have raised concerns about dampness in the buildings, drainage on the site and as regards the disposal of dog waste. The Shelter has been using a compost pit for 20 years to dispose of waste however the council now wants this practice to end.
The owner, Ms Gina Hetherington, says it has been difficult to get clarity on the changes required by the Council and to find a contractor that will take on the project to modify the facility to comply with the Council’s Section 12 notice. The Council is setting a deadline of March 31st for the operator to present a plan to bring the facility into full compliance.
