Important to neuter cats and dogs, says new WSPCA inspector

The new inspector at Westmeath SPCA says he has been inundated with calls about feral cats and he wants to encourage people to neuter their cats and dogs.

Adrian Duigenan pointed out that Westmeath SPCA is a charity and the volunteers rely on contributions and effort from the public to report cases of animal hardship and cruelty.

Mr Duigenan has worked with animals all his life and has pet dogs, cats and rabbits. He is capable, reliable, experienced and knowledgeable in all areas of animal welfare.

Westmeath SPCA is making some urgent appeals: can whoever last borrowed the cat traps from the previous inspector, Chris Murtagh, contact Adrian to organise their return. The traps are used to catch feral and yard cats so they can be neutered (three cat traps are missing).

If you are in a position to support the organisation, you can sponsor a cat trap for €37.50; a hi-vis workwear jacket with logo for €75; a dog cage €80; a pet-carrier €40. A spokesperson said: “We also are always in need of local and responsible foster homes for cats – adults and especially kittens.

“All donations of time, effort and money are appreciated. At the moment, we have a small number of regular contributors who donate by direct debit, we want these loyal supporters to know how grateful we are for their regular help.

“We really need to grow this number of regular contributors and you can rest assured that the Westmeath SPCA is a wholly locally operated, registered charity. Your help will go to the animals who find themselves at our shelter for example; goats, chickens and injured horses, who are here for the short or long term. “every few euro and every hour add up to make a difference in the lives of the animals of Westmeath.”

• Contact Adrian Duigenan 086 6383730

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