Dogs Trust suspend adoptions

FINGLAS based Dogs Trust has suspended the rehoming of dogs over the festive period to try and reduce the number of unwanted puppies being dumped after Christmas.

The canine charity has had close to 3,000 calls and emails from people wanting to surrender their dog so far this year, and almost a third came in the first three months of the year.

January had the highest number of surrender requests at 334, which was a 30 percent increase on 2016.

Dogs Trust warn that Christmas is not a good time to take on a new dog, especially a puppy, and say many people who do get a dog over the holidays have the very best intentions.

However, puppies critically need basic training and positive socialisation experiences in their first few months and new owners often find they are unable to provide this at a busy time like Christmas.

Dogs Trust has stopped rehoming from Monday (December 17) until January 5. However, the centre in Finglas will remain open during that time to allow people to visit dogs and decide if they want to adopt in the New Year.

Executive Director at Dogs Trust, Suzie Carley, explained why they took the decision to suspend adoptions.

“Each year we are saddened and worried by the number of people looking to relinquish their dog, especially in the first few months after Christmas,” she said.

“Owning a dog is a long-term commitment so we are urging those thinking of getting a dog to please wait and take due consideration at any time of the year but especially when thinking of getting a dog for Christmas.

“Dogs Trust coined the phrase ‘a dog is for life, not just for Christmas’ 40 years ago this year, and sadly it is still as relevant today as it was then.

“We hope that by spreading this message that it will encourage people to wait and consider adding a dog to their family in the New Year instead, when the festivities have died down.

“We would encourage those who have made the decision to get a dog, to consider adopting from your local rescue centre, local pound or Dogs Trust and give a rescue dog the best second chance in life.”

Carley also pointed out that while Dogs Trust does what it can to help unwanted dogs and has a ‘no destroy’ policy the charity’s resources are limited.

“Unfortunately we receive a large number of surrender requests each day and due to the high demand to take in dogs from many sources, we are unable to help everyone by taking surrendered dogs from members of the public,” she said.

“With the limited space that we have in our rehoming centre, we need to prioritise taking in dogs from the local authority pounds around Ireland as these dogs are at risk of being put to sleep.

“We also endeavour to take in vulnerable surrender dogs whenever possible.”

Dogs Trust is suggesting that anybody who would like to help a dog in need at Christmas can sponsor a ‘puppy playgroup’ instead.

“As a Paw-Pal, you can give puppies all the specialist care they need to make sure they all grow up to be healthy, happy dogs ready for their special someone one day,” a spokesperson said.

“You, or the person you sponsor a puppy for, will receive regular pup-dates on their progression to fully fledged canine companions and all the difference you are making for dogs and puppies at Dogs Trust.”

To find out more about how you can sponsor a dog or puppy playgroup visit www.dogstrust.ie/sponsor.