Tipperary TD highlights the need for greater support for dog rescues

Dog shelters in every county in Ireland are reporting that they bursting at the seams with dogs that have been surrendered, abandoned or rescued, all too often from horrific neglect or cruelty, says Deputy Michael Lowry. 

Shelters report having to house multiple dogs in overcrowded kennels as they struggle to provide a space for the rising number dogs that are coming into their care.  

They are forced to appeal endlessly for financial support from the public in order to keep these dogs sheltered and fed.  Astronomical veterinary bills are a huge problem. It is extremely rare that a dog coming into a shelter will not require some form of veterinary attention. Veterinary costs can account for the greatest outlay of funds by a dog rescue and these are  funds they do not have.

For the most part, these dog rescues are run on a day-to-day basis by animal-loving volunteers. These people are the lifeblood of animal rescue in Ireland. Yet, even while not having to pay wages to those who give their time to cleaning, feeding, exercising and socialising these dogs, dog rescues simply cannot handle the financial weight or the growing demand for their services.

The increased cost of living has hit these rescues from every possible angle. Despite having received record funding from the government for the current year, these voluntary groups right across Ireland are struggling like never before. 

In addition, the rising cost of living has resulted in a dramatic increase in the number of dogs being surrendered or even abandoned, as fraught owners cannot afford to keep their pets. Similarly, less people are adopting dogs, as their household budget cannot stretch to caring for them, while fewer and fewer people have sufficient resources to donate money to help animal rescues. 

The stark reality is that rescues groups will be forced out of existence and this will be an enormous threat to dog welfare. Without such groups, all hope for the safety and well-being of abandoned, surrendered and neglected dogs will evaporate. 

Referring to the report last week from the Joint Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Deputy Michael Lowry says that it highlights some very crucial and pertinent issues.

"The sadistic practice of ear-cropping and the provision of canine fertility services by non-veterinary practitioners are amongst the cruel practices that have been identified in this report. I compliment the members of the Joint Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine for highlighting these matters that must and should be addressed as priorities," he says.  

"Yet, so too should the expectation that dog rescues can continually pick up the pieces for people who surrender or abandon their family pets. A quick visit to any of their social media pages will reveal the real truth of how Ireland rates in terms of dog welfare. The stories of dogs that end up in rescues can be heartbreaking. The work of the rescues is overwhelming and unending. The reality is that it will continue to go from bad to worse unless they receive greater financial support and proper recognition for the work they do. 

"Eliminating the barbaric practices identified in the Joint Committees report is crucial. Yet so too is helping to sustain the rescue groups who care for the sad, broken, defeated and confused dogs who flood through their gates every week. The hungry, the ill and the unloved animals whose only hope is to receive care, rehabilitation and the chance of a loving family that a rescue can provide. 

"Man’s best friend asks for little in life and the very least we can do is help to provide them with the safety and care of a rescue centre and the possibility of one day finding a loving and caring forever home," he stated.