In 2023, thanks to the kindness of the public, the ISPCA’s Emergency Appeal raised over €400,000. These funds were critical in allowing the ISPCA to provide immediate care and accommodation for animals in urgent need, including the establishment of temporary shelters. However, with rehoming times nearly doubling from an average of six weeks in 2023 to twelve weeks in 2024, the financial strain on our resources has intensified.
We are now urgently appealing again for your support; due to the drop in rehoming rates, we now have 100 extra animals in our care, resulting in an additional daily cost of €10 per animal. This could lead to an annual expense of up to €365,000, which is why we urgently need to raise €250,000 to help cover these escalating costs for 2024. To help ease the pressure on the centres and staff, the ISPCA have asked anyone who has been thinking of bringing a new addition into their home, to consider adopting a furry friend from one of their shelters or donating to help with the costs of looking after these animals by visiting www.ispca.ie.
Appealing to the public, ISPCA CEO Dr Cyril Sullivan said:
“The public’s response to our last Emergency Appeal was overwhelming, and we are deeply grateful. We are asking again for your support; we are once again at a critical juncture. The need for rehoming has never been greater, and whether through adoption or donation, every action counts. Our goal is to find loving, long-term homes for all the animals in our care, but we can’t do it without your help and with 340 animals in our care we need to ensure they are all looked after.”
The ISPCA is particularly concerned about 23 XL Bullies currently in our care. With new legislation coming into effect on 1st October 2024, these animals will no longer be eligible for adoption. The ISPCA is making a heartfelt plea to the public to consider giving these dogs a chance at a loving home before it’s too late.
Speaking on the Rehoming, ISPCA Chief Inspector Conor Dowling said:
“We are really struggling to find new owners to adopt these wonderful pets, and our shelters are nearing capacity. A reality of life is that it can be costly to keep these animals in our care for a long period of time. It costs approximately an extra €10 a day to shelter an animal, that includes bedding, food, veterinary bills and so many other additional needs. Our Animal Welfare Inspectors on the road want to help and by finding homes for these pets makes space to rescue even more animals in need. Without immediate support from the public—either through adoption or donations—we simply won’t be able to continue providing the level of care these animals deserve.’’
Currently, over 340 animals are looking for homes, and the ISPCA is working tirelessly to provide them with safe shelter, life-saving veterinary care, and rehabilitation. So far in 2024, the ISPCA has rescued 694 animals from neglect and abuse, but rehoming rates have dropped compared to the same period in 2023. This has led to shelters being at capacity for extended periods, significantly increasing costs.
How You Can Help:
- Donate: Your financial support is crucial to maintaining our rescue operations. Every donation, large or small, directly impacts the lives of the animals in our care.
- Adopt: If you’ve been considering adding a new member to your family, now is the perfect time. Consider adopting from our shelters and giving a vulnerable animal a second chance at life.
You can make a difference, we need you to be part of our vital work, giving neglected animals the chance of a life worth living. Visit our donate page here or learn more the animals needed a home here. Follow us on Instagram @ispca_official or Facebook @irish.spca for updates on our work and ways to get involved.
