Protestors hit out at a lack of animal welfare legislation in a peaceful protest this afternoon outside the Dail.
The demonstration took place at 2pm on Kildare Street. Several animal rights groups, including My Lovely Horse Rescue and Missing Stolen Animals Ireland, had been invited to meet with TDs and Senators to discuss animal welfare earlier today.
The protest occurred immediately after talks had concluded and was attended by many animal rights groups, including Dogs Aid. People who had experienced pet theft also discussed their frustrations as the worrying trend continues.
READ MORE: Horse dies after collapsing on busy Smithfield road
Dog owner Sandra Kelly insisted that change was needed to safeguard pets in Ireland. She was left heartbroken five years ago after her Yorkshire Terrier Buster went missing from a Dublin park, but has never given up hope on an eventual reunion with her beloved pet.
She told Dublin Live: "Don't take your eyes off your dog - because when you do, someone else will have theirs on them. We only had Buster for a year and a half and we hope to see him again one day."
Volunteers from Dogs Aid also attended the protest today to call for improved animal welfare. Clare, who has volunteered with the charity for four years, said that demand for their services is at a high as animal abuse escalates.
Clare said: "We need tighter laws to crackdown on pet theft, cruelty to animals and puppy farms. We want the government to help us in anyway they can to address this."
Representatives from My Lovely Horse Rescue and Missing Stolen Animals Ireland are campaigning to introduce animal welfare units in each Garda station nationwide. This policy was discussed during their meeting in the Dail ahead of the hour long protest.
READ MORE
- Pony 'left to die alone in pain' after sulky crashes into parked car
My Lovely Horse Rescue appeal for donations to ease mounting vet bills
Social welfare recipients could face deductions to €200 bonus payment
Jerry Springer's surprise performance on RTE remembered in throwback video
Lorry driver 'threatened and restrained' in terrifying Meath robbery
Sign up to the Dublin Live Newsletter to get all the latest Dublin news straight to your inbox
