A Wicklow animal rescue centre has taken in 600 abandoned dogs so far this year as rescue staff warn against buying puppies for Christmas.
Speaking to journalist Myles Buchanan, Fiona Gammell of Wicklow Animal Welfare lamented the high numbers of puppies brought home for Christmas who end up being abandoned in the New Year.
“Last year we took in six abandoned puppies on Christmas Eve and we were full to the brim over Christmas and New Year,” she said.
This year Wicklow Animal Welfare took in over 600 abandoned dogs making the last 12 months their busiest period to date.
“We are always full but this has been our busiest year ever by some distance,” said Fiona.
“The amount of dogs who have been dumped or surrendered is unreal. To the end of November we have rescued, rehabilitated, vaccinated, worm, defleaed, neutered, in most cases microchipped and found homes for over 500 dogs and puppies.”
Gammell urges those in search of a new pet not to buy dogs from puppy farms.
On their Instagram page, WAW has documented the condition of dogs rescued from such facilities and “backyard breeders” telling how bitches are kept in poor conditions and used to breed with little regard for their own welfare.
Last summer a pair of Bichon Frise sisters called Daisy and Dora were rescued after being used as “breeding machines” and arrived at WAW “terrified”.
Wicklow Animal Rescue saw they are dedicated to resolving any behavioural issues in rescued animals which they say can be caused by abuse and neglect from previous owners.
They operate a strict “no kill” policy and make efforts to match each animal with a new family which suits them best. This means that individual dogs can end up spending a significant period of time at the shelter.
Donations can be made to Wicklow Animal Welfare by texting WAW to 50300 to donate €4.
Direct donations can be sent to BIC BOFI IE2D. IBAN IE22 BOFI 9066 5485 347844.