ISPCA launches urgent national emergency appeal as dogs are having to be placed in temporary facilities

What it is describing as "unprecedented levels of animal cruelty" has led to an 80% rise in animals needing accommodation according to the Irish Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ISPCA), Ireland’s leading and national animal welfare charity.

As a result, ISPCA has launched an urgent national emergency appeal, Stop the Pain, explaining that the post-pandemic surge in cases has placed a significant financial burden and demand for space on the charity.

According to the ISPCA, more innocent animals are being abandoned, abused or neglected than ever before, but it remains committed to helping every animal in need and has not turned away any distressed or neglected animal needing rescue.

To accommodate the growing number of animals rescued, the ISPCA’s facilities are at full capacity and the charity has been forced to install temporary facilities and utilise private kennels, leading to substantial, unforeseen costs.

The ISPCA is now appealing to the public for support in this time of crisis and to help save animals that have suffered.

Donations can be made through www.ispca.ie/dwonate or by contacting their offices directly on 043 332 5035.

During the first quarter of 2023 alone, the ISPCA have rescued almost 700 animals and has witnessed an 80% rise in animals under care. Consequently, their four centres in Donegal, Longford, Mallow and Wicklow have reached maximum occupancy levels.

To meet the demand, the ISPCA has seen estimated annual costs rise to over €500,000 solely to house dogs in private kennels or temporary facilities. Dogs, in particular have been at the forefront of cases of abandonment or cruelty since the pandemic. With more animals expected to be rescued, the financial strain on the ISPCA is expected to escalate further.

Dr. Pete Wedderburn, the veterinary surgeon, journalist, and trustee of the ISPCA, emphasised the urgency of the situation at the Appeal launch stating that:

“The pandemic may be over, but its impact is going to stay with our pets for some time into the future. The most significant impact is the large number of cruelty cases being encountered by the ISPCA at this time. There is now more than ever an urgent need for the public to get behind the ISPCA to provide a safe haven for those animals that need our care and a chance of a good life in a loving forever home”.

Dr Cyril Sullivan, CEO of the ISPCA addressed the situation during the appeal launch stating:

“This is a crisis. We urgently need your support and help. The ISPCA has witnessed an unprecedented number of animals rescued from cruel situations. Several factors have contributed to the surge in cruelty cases encountered by the ISPCA inspectorate since late 2022, continuing into 2023. Key among these factors is the significant slowdown in the response to rehoming healthy dogs.

"When animals are found to be suffering, the Irish public and ISPCA supporters understand that the charity will take immediate action to ensure their safety. But the financial burden of providing secure housing and care for these animals has become overwhelming. Your support can make all the difference, animals need our help now, there is no time to waste. We need your support.”

Dr Sullivan urged the Irish public to rally together and support the ISPCA in any way they can, emphasizing the urgency of the national emergency. He said:

“I am calling on the Irish public to support us in any way they can, we need assistance to securely house all these animals in need and ensure they receive the treatment they deserve. As a nation, it is our civic duty to protect and care for our animal kingdom. All donations, big or small, make a difference. It will take just a moment to donate but the impact for animals could last their lifetime. These donations will go to providing immediate temporary care for all dogs coming into our care, as well as facilitating the ISPCA to extend our own kennel capacity in our Animal Centres.”

All donations make a difference and the animals of Ireland need your support. With your help the ISPCA will continue to make sure that no animal is ever left in danger. Please donate today at www.ispca.ie/donate. Follow us on Instagram @ispca_official or Facebook @irish.spca to find out more about the ISPCA and our National Emergency Appeals Campaign.