ISPCA launches urgent national emergency appeal
More innocent animals are being abandoned, abused or neglected than ever before, which has prompted the Irish Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ISPCA), to launch an ungent national emergency appeal called 'Stop the Pain.'
The leading and national animal welfare charity has launched their appeal in response to a sharp increase in the number of animal cruelty cases across the nation.
The post-pandemic surge in cases has placed a significant financial burden and demand for space on the charity, but the ISPCA remains committed to helping every animal in need and has not turned away any distressed or neglected animal needing rescue.
In order to accommodate the growing number of animals rescued, the ISPCA’s facilities are at full capacity and they have been forced to install temporary facilities and utilise private kennels, leading to substantial, unforeseen costs.
The ISPCA is appealing to the public for support in this time of crisis and to help save animals that have suffered. Donations can be made through www.ispca.ie/dwonate or by contacting their offices directly on 043 332 5035.
During the first quarter of 2023 alone, the ISPCA rescued almost 700 animals and witnessed an 80% rise in animals under care. Consequently, their four centres in Donegal, Longford, Mallow and Wicklow have reached maximum occupancy level.
To meet the increased 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.
Dr. Pete Wedderburn, the veterinary surgeon, journalist, and trustee of the ISPCA, told the appeal launch that while "the pandemic may be over, its impact is going to stay with our pets for some time into the future" with the most significant impact being the large number of cruelty cases being encountered by the ISPCA at this time. "There is now more than ever an urgent need for the public to get behind the ISPCA to provide a safe haven for those animals that need our care and a chance of a good life in a loving forever home” he said.
Dr Cyril Sullivan, CEO of the ISPCA, described the current situation as "a crisis"and said the charity has witnessed an "unprecedented number of animals rescued from cruel situations." Several factors have contributed to the surge in cruelty cases encountered by the ISPCA inspectorate since late 2022, continuing into 2023. Key among these factors is the significant slowdown in the response to rehoming healthy dogs.
When animals are found to be suffering, the Irish public and ISPCA supporters understand that the charity will take immediate action to ensure their safety. However, Dr. Sullivan said the financial burden of providing secure housing and care for these animals "has become overwhelming" and he urged the Irish public to rally together and support the ISPCA in any way they can, emphasizing the urgency of the national emergency.
“I am calling on the Irish public to support us in any way they can, we need assistance to securely house all these animals in need and ensure they receive the treatment they deserve. As a nation, it is our civic duty to protect and care for our animal kingdom. All donations, big or small, make a difference. It will take just a moment to donate but the impact for animals could last their lifetime. These donations will go to providing immediate temporary care for all dogs coming into our care, as well as facilitating the ISPCA to extend our own kennel capacity in our Animal Centres" said Dr. Sullivan.
Donations can be made at www.ispca.ie/donate. Follow the ISPCA on Instagram @ispca_official or Facebook @irish.spca to find out more about the their work and their National Emergency Appeals Campaign.