“Cruelty to Animals is Deplorable and Should be Subject to the Full Rigours of the Law.” Irish University Responds to Allegations

The University of Limerick has published a statement in response to a disturbing story published in the Limerick Leader this week. 

The newspaper story centered on a letter sent in by a Castletroy resident, who claimed to have seen students from the university lure a small dog to its death in a drink-fuelled ‘game’.

Following multiple calls for action, and a petition to see justice brought to those responsible, the University this afternoon posted a statement on the college’s official Facebook page.

The housing estate where the incident is alledged to have occurred 

 

The full statement reads:

UL Statement 

In response to the recent article and letter in the Limerick Leader regarding an incident in which a dog was killed, the University of Limerick’s position is that any activity involving cruelty to animals is deplorable and should be subject to the full rigours of the law. In the event that student involvement in any act of cruelty to animals is proven, this will also be handled under the University’s disciplinary procedures which are governed by a code of conduct for students.

The University has a comprehensive and robust system in place to investigate alleged breaches of the code by individual students and, where it transpires that students have breached University regulations, students are subject to a formal disciplinary process where the penalties include fines, suspension and, in serious cases, dismissal from the University. We have already encouraged any individual with information relating to this incident to report this in the first instance to the Gardai and where student involvement is suspected to notify the University for further investigation.

Since the University became aware of the report of an incident last week it has been proactive in seeking to address this matter. It has initiated its own enquiries locally to ascertain what had happened and these investigations are on-going. UL has also liaised with the Gardai and animal welfare authorities to enquire whether any complaints had been filed and to date it appears that there have been none.

The University has submitted a request to the Garda authorities asking that the incident be investigated and requesting the Gardai to alert the University if any evidence of student involvement is uncovered, as well as confirming that in the event that student involvement is confirmed the University’s disciplinary processes will be implemented.

UL has written to the person whose letter was published in the local media asking that she and others who she knows may have information on the matter make contact so that the full facts of the situation can be ascertained and appropriate actions taken.

The University at all times seeks to maintain good relations with our neighbouring communities and every effort is made through our Community Liaison Committee to strengthen our partnership with the wider community.