THERE HAS been a substantial increase in the number of animals rescued by the Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals so far this year compared with 2010.
The society reported yesterday that the number of dogs requiring rescue so far this year had increased by 48 per cent compared to the same period last year.
It also said the number of cats needing rescue had increased by 20 per cent; and an increase of 21 per cent in the number of horses, ponies and donkeys being taken into its care.
In a statement to mark World Animal Week, the ISPCA said another problem had arisen because of the impact of the recession: there were fewer homes available to adopt animals.
The organisation, which is the largest animal welfare charity in the State, said this was as a result of the financial stress people were experiencing.
It has launched an urgent appeal asking people to consider adopting a rescued animal, supporting its winter appeal or making a donation to the organisation.
ISPCA chief executive Noel Griffin said the society depended on voluntary donations to carry out its work and current funds were not sufficient to meet these demands. “Times are tough and will get even tougher this winter, so please help us to ensure that all animals are cared for, not neglected or abandoned.”
World Animal Week, which runs until October 9th, will help to raise awareness of the improvements that could be made to help animals, the society said.
It also provided an opportunity for the public to celebrate just how much pets meant to their owners.
“There is no better time to get involved and show you care by supporting the ISPCA,” Mr Griffin said yesterday. “Together we can make a difference.”
The society was forced to defend its policies earlier this year when it emerged that its dog pounds put down three in every five of the animals it rescued.
Figures compiled by the Department of the Environment show that pounds run by the society put down a higher percentage of dogs than pounds run by other charities. Nine ISPCA pounds destroyed 59 per cent of dogs in 2009, the latest year for which official figures were available, compared with 38 per cent in 25 services overseen by local authorities.
ISPCA facilities in Donegal and Roscommon were recorded as putting down 85 per cent and 80 per cent of the dogs in their care respectively.