A single animal charity has revealed they took in 24 dogs and four cats in just one week, taking the number of charges in their care past the 500 mark.
Almost Home NI in Moira, Co Down faced the the hike on the usual onslaught of abandoned, neglected and unwanted dogs including 11 puppies, one pregnant dog who had lived her life chained up and a Labrador of 14 - or 100 in human years.
A spokeswoman for the charity said a raffle organised to raise funds will help with some expenses and they thanked the army of volunteers without whom the they couldn't do their work.
She said: "It's been another long and busy week for the team at Almost Home. In the last seven days we have welcomed 24 dogs into our family along with four cats.
"Eleven of our new arrivals are just babies starting off their life, with bright futures and so much to look forward to.
"We have one pregnant girl who had been living life chained on a farm and is due to have puppies any day. She’s the sweetest soul.
"And at the other end of the scale we welcomed Buster an old golden Lab who is 14 years young along along with Cody an old Shepherd who had lived outdoors on a farm.
"They’re adjusting well to the uniqueness of Heather House and are finding their paws and we are so proud of the fact that we have no paid staff, a big undertaking with over 500 animals on site.
"We are blessed with a fabulous team and without you, our fabulous supporters we would struggle to keep going.
"By purchasing raffle tickets not only are you in with a chance of some super prizes but you can be assured that 100% of your donation will benefit the animals."
If you would like to help Almost Home NI you can check out their raffle and other donations possibilities on their Facebook page by clicking here - just follow the links.
