The ISPCA will mark a milestone today when it opens its national animal centre in Longford.
The centre, at Derryglogher Lodge near Kenagh, will be a sanctuary for abused or neglected animals. In most cases, court cases are pending over the condition of the animals.
The centre is not a home for strays and in fact will close in the two weeks before Christmas so that it does not supply pets which may be abandoned in January.
The centre will also act as a training and education facility, particularly for students and teachers.
The new facility is "excellent" when compared with facilities in Britain, according to its manager Mr Tony Bell who previously managed a centre in Oldham. "Compared with the UK, it's smaller but the facilities are brilliant," he said.
On 80 acres of land, the centre has 20 kennels, a cattery for 20 cats, four stables and a unit for smaller animals such as rabbits and gerbils.
He said the venue was ideal as a national centre as it was just 10 miles from Glasson, which marks the centre of Ireland.
The centre has a resident vet for sick and injured animals as well as 10 other staff. They are already caring for three horses, two donkeys and a pony.
Mr Bell said while it was easy to get homes for horses, it was difficult to find the "right home" and people with enough experience. The ISPCA will not allow the horses to be placed for breeding purposes or for hunting.
This is just the first phase of the centre. In later phases, wildlife and exotic animal units will be added, as well as a visitor centre, more kennels and stables.
So far the venture has cost €2.5 million and benefited from a €178,000 grant from the Department of Agriculture.
The centre is open to the public every day expect Wednesday, from 11.30 a.m. to 3.30 p.m. For more information, contact 043-25035.