The pressure is on for Tipperary’s dogs this Christmas

Two of Tipperary’s top animal rescues have said their kennels and the Tipperary pound are seeing an ‘unprecedented’ amount of dogs.

This week the Tipperarylive spoke with Gina Heatherington from PAWS Animal Rescue in Mullinahone and Nikki Veasey from Mo Chara in Thurles.

Both say they haven’t seen it this bad in a decade.

“It’s shocking because the rescues are out the door, said Ms Hetherington.

And both say this issue is a nationwide crisis.

TIPPERARY POUND
Tipperary dog pound in Nenagh is very busy.

Ms Veasey said the people who work in the dog control unit do wonderful work but are under enormous pressure.

In October, a full sitting of Tipperary County Council heard that the south Tipperary dog pound was to close and the animals in their care sent to Nenagh.

The amalgamation of pounds has added huge pressure to both rescues and the pound.

Mo Chara say they have been the main resue working closely with the pound in Nenagh since 2023.

They regualrly take dogs from the pound and have been doing everything they can to alleviate some of pressure in the run up to Christmas.

Ms Hetherington (PAWS) said it’s fortunate to have the pound work so closely with the animal rescues in Tipperary.

COST OF LIVING

While the covid crisis was a driving force earlier in the year, that is not the case anymore.

Ms Hertherington says the cost of living, vet fees and lease restrictions are pushing dogs out of homes.

She said people are struggling to afford to look after themselves and their dogs.

“It’s either put bread on the table, logs on the fire or take the dog to the vet,” said Ms Hetherington.

Ms Hetherington also said that the housing crisis means less dog-friendly homes.

A pet owner may have permission to keep an animal in their current home, but the next landlord may have a different policy when they move.

This Tipperary school's Christmas Jumper Day raised over €1,000 for St Vincent de Paul

REHOMING

For those considering adoption in 2023, here are some things to consider from Mo Chara and PAWS Animal Rescue. Research breeds. Small dogs are not always ideal.

Both Ms Hetherington and Ms Veasey said no reputable rescue would rehome at Christmas.

While dogs can be a wonderful addition to a home, they do not make good gifts.

Consider mixed breeds. Ms Veasey said purebred dogs can be fashionable, but you can’t tell a good pet at one look.

And some breeds, like pugs, are prone to illness and may require a lot of vet visits. She advises keeping an open mind and considering your own financial situation before taking on a dog.

LURCHERS

Perhaps an unlikely recommendation, but both rescues say there is a lot to love about lurchers. Ms Hetherington said her kennels are full of them, and she hasn’t been without a lurcher in her home in 20 years.

“They are gas altogether,” said Ms Hetherington. Ms Hetherington said lurchers are lazy, require little exercise and make lovely pets.

She said more regulation of lurchers is needed to stem the numbers being sent to shelters.

This includes the ability to track dogs and neutering programmes. Ms Veasey said she knows people find the strict adoption rules frustrating, but they are necessary.

She also said adoption fees cover some of the costs incurred by rescues.

“Homing criteria are there for a reason,” said Ms Veasey.

NEW YEAR
Rescues ask that if you need to surrender an animal, you hold off until the new year as rescues are particularly busy at Christmas.

And if the new year means a new member of the family, adoption helps everyone.

Ms Hetherington told us people are sick of hearing the phrase “adopt, don’t shop.”

But that is exactly what is needed.

Just not at Christmas.