Dogs Trust have made an urgent appeal for new dog owners after they took in 54 puppies in three weeks.
The charity also took in eight 10-day-old puppies which require round the clock care. The number of dogs they have taken in so far this year has increased by 33% compared to the same time last year.
Since January, Dogs Trust has been inundated with 2,180 requests from members of the public hoping to relinquish their dogs, compared to 1,638 requests for the same period last year.
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Rehoming Centre Manager at Dogs Trust Ireland Maciej said the current situation is "overwhelming". He said: “We also have an overwhelming list of dogs waiting to come into our care from local authority dog pounds.
"While we would love to be able to help every single dog we are asked to, sadly, we just don’t have the kennel space to do so. That’s why we are urgently appealing for foster homes, so we can help as many dogs as possible.
"People who foster are often asked if it’s hard to say goodbye to the dog they have cared for."
He added: "As a fosterer myself, I can tell you first-hand that the feeling of knowing the dog is going to a family who will love them, far outweighs the temporary sadness.”
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