80% rise in animals needing ISPCA accommodation due to unprecedented levels of animal cruelty cases
Ireland’s leading national animal welfare charity, The Irish Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ISPCA), has today launched an urgent emergency appeal, “Stop the Pain”, in response to a sharp increase in the number of animal cruelty cases across the nation.
The post-pandemic surge in cases of cruelty and neglect of animals has placed a significant financial burden and demand for space on the charity with innocent animals being abandoned, abused or neglected than ever before.
During the first quarter of 2023 alone, the ISPCA has rescued almost 700 animals and has witnessed an 80% rise in animals under care. Consequently, their four centres in Donegal, Longford, Mallow and Wicklow have reached maximum occupancy levels.
The ISPCA remains committed to helping every animal in need and has not turned away any distressed or neglected animal needing rescue. To accommodate the growing number of animals rescued, the ISPCA’s facilities are at full capacity and has been forced to install temporary facilities and utilise private kennels, leading to substantial, unforeseen costs.
The ISPCA is now appealing to the public for support in this time of crisis and to help save animals that have suffered. We urgently need the public’s help to cope with an increase in demand for our services. Donations can be made through www.ispca.ie/donate or by contacting their offices directly on 043 332 5035.
To meet the increase in demand, the ISPCA has seen estimated annual costs rise to over €500,000 solely to house dogs in private kennels or temporary facilities. Dogs, in particular have been at the forefront of cases of abandonment or cruelty since the pandemic. With more animals expected to be rescued, the financial strain on the ISPCA is expected to escalate further.
All donations make a difference and the animals of Ireland need your support. With your help the ISPCA will continue to make sure that no animal is ever left in danger. Please donate today at www.ispca.ie/donate.
Follow ISPCA on Instagram: @ispca_official or Facebook: @irish.spca to find out more about the organisation and its National Emergency Appeals Campaign.
