Urgent appeal for Irish foster homes after 54 puppies handed to Dogs Trust in less than three weeks

Dogs Trust Ireland is urgently appealing for people to come forward to foster a dog as they have taken in 54 puppies in just three weeks.

They say it comes as Ireland’s unwanted dog crisis deepens.

54 puppies have come into the care of Dogs Trust Ireland in less than three weeks, with the charity asking for the public’s support.

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A litter of eight 10-day-old puppies were recently brought into their care, with the small dogs needing around-the-clock care. This was on top of 46 other puppies they are looking after.

The charity has been inundated with 2,180 requests since January 2022 from those looking to surrender their pets. The figure has increased from the same period last year, which stood at 1,638.

Six-week-old terrier cross puppies in Dogs Trust Ireland. The charity is appealing for urgent support after taking in 54 puppies in less than three weeks, as the unwanted dog crisis in Ireland deepens. 20/10/2022 Photograph: ©Fran Veale Please Credit Use subject to restrictions: No Repro Fee if published in conjunction with press release. No online use before 21/10/2022 No other use without written permission from the photographer (Fran Veale)

Dogs Trust Ireland said the increase comes as a result of the pandemic, with many people going back to working in an office or spending time away from their dogs.

Head of communications at the charity, Ciara Murran said: “Sadly, we are continuing to deal with the fallout from the pandemic.

“More and more people are spending increasing periods of time away from their homes and feel they can no longer give their dogs the time they need.”

They are now calling for the public’s support by fostering, adopting or donating to the charity.

“We care for hundreds of dogs every year but without the generosity of our supporters, this simply wouldn’t be possible. We are incredibly grateful to each and every one of them, especially as we all face the increased cost of living,” Ciara said.

A four-week-old puppy who is being hand reared in Dogs Trust Ireland. The charity is appealing for urgent support after taking in 54 puppies in less than three weeks, as the unwanted dog crisis in Ireland deepens. 20/10/2022 Photograph: ©Fran Veale Please Credit Use subject to restrictions: No Repro Fee if published in conjunction with press release. No online use before 21/10/2022 No other use without written permission from the photographer (Fran Veale)

A four-week-old puppy who is being hand reared in Dogs Trust Ireland. The charity is appealing for urgent support after taking in 54 puppies in less than three weeks, as the unwanted dog crisis in Ireland deepens. 20/10/2022 Photograph: ©Fran Veale Please Credit Use subject to restrictions: No Repro Fee if published in conjunction with press release. No online use before 21/10/2022 No other use without written permission from the photographer (Fran Veale)

Rehoming Centre Manager, Maciej Trojanowicz, said that the list is not getting any shorter either. “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.”

A four-week-old puppy who is being hand reared in Dogs Trust Ireland. The charity is appealing for urgent support after taking in 54 puppies in less than three weeks, as the unwanted dog crisis in Ireland deepens. 20/10/2022 Photograph: ©Fran Veale Please Credit Use subject to restrictions: No Repro Fee if published in conjunction with press release. No online use before 21/10/2022 No other use without written permission from the photographer (Fran Veale)

While some may be worried about growing too attached to the dog they foster, Maciej said that they will overcome it: “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.”

Dogs Trust Ireland has more information on their website for anyone interested in adopting, fostering or donating to the charity.

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