A fire at a shelter for animals in Rathfarnham at the weekend caused over €500,000 of damage, the Dublin Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (DSPCA) said today.
The fire, which broke out on Sunday night, destroyed feed and bedding for the society's equine stock for the year ahead.
"We have been devastated, to suffer this kind of damage during such as cold spell of weather, really is a tragedy, said DSPCA communications managerOrla Aungier.
Following the fire, a number of school tours to the shelter had to be cancelled
The fire, which was still smouldering late last night, was the worst disaster to have struck the charity in their 169 years of service.
"The fire not only destroyed all of the hay, hard feed, fodder and bedding for our equine for the year ahead, but also ruined all our farm machinery and maintenance equipment. Fortunately, none of the animals were harmed, but the strain that the fire has put on our resources means that we are being pushed to the limit, in these harsh weather conditions, to ensure that no animal suffers as a result of this horrendous accident," Ms Aungier added.
The organisation today thanked members of the public for donations made following the fire. Donations can still be made to the charity online at www.dspca.ie or by calling 01-4935502.
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