There has been a sharp and "unprecedented" increase in the number of animal cruelty cases across the nation, the Irish Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals has said.
The statement comes as the animal welfare charity launched an Urgent National Emergency Appel "Stop the Pain" today at Merrion Square in response to disturbing statistics. During the first quarter of 2023 alone, the ISPCA has rescued almost 700 animals and has witnessed an 80 per cent rise in animals under care.
Speaking today, ISPCA chief Dr Cyril Sullivan said: "ISPCA is in the midst of a national crisis in animal welfare. What we have experienced for the end of 2022 and 2023, there's a large number of dogs coming through in cases."
ISPCA Chief Inspector Conor Dowling said: "[I've] never seen this level of problems with dogs - our team of inspectors are just struggling to deal with it. And the problem is that we just don't have any space anymore.
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"Our kennels and animal centers absolutely full and this creates a huge problem for our inspectors out on the road - they're out there wanting to help dogs, wanting to help all animals. The respondent calls and we're feeling this sense of trepidation in every call we're going to. What if we find a big problem? What if there's lots of dogs, what are we going to do with them? Where are we going to bring them?
"It's a huge problem - and it's not confined to the ISPCA - but unique problem the ISPCA have is that we cannot close the doors, we can't say 'sorry we're full' because our inspectors are out there doing the job and they have to bring in animals."
The ISPCA’s facilities are currently at full capacity and they have been forced to install temporary facilities and utilise private kennels, leading to substantial unforeseen costs. The organisation has seen estimated annual costs rise to over €500,000 solely to house dogs in these private kennels or temporary facilities.
Dogs in particular have been at the forefront of cases of abandonment or cruelty since the pandemic, the charity has said. With more animals expected to be rescued, the financial strain on the ISPCA is expected to escalate further.
Many people were there in support of the appeal, including comedian PJ Gallagher, R&B singer-songwriter Erica-Cody, former Miss World and current ISPCA ambassador Rosanna Davison and broadcaster and producer Andrea Hayes.
Ms Hayes told us: "This is not a problem for the ISPCA, this is a problem for the nation of Ireland. We have to be responsible dog owners, we have to start taking responsibility for what's happening."
Meanwhile, Ms Davidson said: "[Dogs] just want their forever home, they just want to home with their families and be loved."
The ISPCA is now appealing to the public for support and help to cope with an increase in demand for their services. Donations can be made through their official website or by contacting their offices directly on 043 332 5035.
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