THE IRISH Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ISPCA) is seeking new homes for more than a dozen dogs rescued from deplorable conditions last week.
A total of 14 dogs, including Lurchers, Terriers and a German Shepherd, were removed from a house in Portarlington, Co Laois, following a number of complaints from members of the public.
Gardaí, animal welfare inspectors and the local dog warden discovered the animals housed in filthy pens at the rear of the house. The dogs had no access to water.
In addition to the shocking living conditions, some dogs were severely underweight while others had injuries and scars.
A number of the animals were restricted breeds. ISPCA inspector Conor Dowling said there was a possibility the dogs may have been used for some sort of hunting.
While someone had been living at the property and “supposedly looking after them”, many of the dogs were found in a very poor condition, he added.
ISPCA inspector Brendan Hughes said: “Some of these dogs were in a truly dreadful condition. A white German Shepherd was skin and bone, crawling with fleas and was missing the tip on one of its ears. A white Terrier was covered with scars and there was a Staffordshire bull terrier with a huge chunk taken out of its upper lip.”
The dogs were surrendered to the care of the ISPCA and taken to one of the society’s rehabilitation facilities where they have been receiving specialist care.
It is hoped that they will all make a full recovery and be available for rehoming in the coming weeks.
An investigation is continuing and all the ISPCA’s findings will be submitted to the Garda.
Information on the 14 dogs is available from the society on 043-3325035 and also on e-mail info_at_ispca.ie or visit ispca.ie