Dogs Trust Ireland takes in 54 puppies in three weeks as unwanted dog crisis deepens

Dogs Trust Ireland say they are appealing for support after taking in eight 10-day-old puppies who require round the clock care.

The charity has also taken in a further 46 puppies, bringing the total intake of puppies to 54 in less than three weeks, as the unwanted dog crisis in Ireland deepens.

Since January, Dogs Trust has been inundated with 2,180 requests from members of the public hoping to relinquish their dogs, compared to 1,638 requests for the same period last year.

A four-week-old puppy who is being hand reared in Dogs Trust Ireland.

Maciej Trojanowicz, Rehoming Centre Manager at Dogs Trust Ireland explains: “We also have an overwhelming list of dogs waiting to come into our care from local authority dog pounds. While we would love to be able to help every single dog we are asked to, sadly, we just don’t have the kennel space to do so. That’s why we are urgently appealing for foster homes, so we can help as many dogs as possible.

People who foster are often asked if it’s hard to say goodbye to the dog they have cared for.

Ciara Murran, Head of Communications at Dogs Trust Ireland said:

“As a fosterer myself, I can tell you first-hand that the feeling of knowing the dog is going to a family who will love them, far outweighs the temporary sadness.”

“Sadly, we are continuing to deal with the fallout from the pandemic.

“More and more people are spending increasing periods of time away from their homes and feel they can no longer give their dogs the time they need.

“So, we are appealing to people to please support our work by fostering, adopting or donating what they can.

“We care for hundreds of dogs every year but without the generosity of our supporters, this simply wouldn’t be possible.

“We are incredibly grateful to each and every one of them, especially as we all face the increased cost of living.”

If you are interested in fostering or adopting a puppy, please visit www.DogsTrust.ie for more information.