merrion street

Agriculture Minister Michael Creed and Chris Conneely Blue Cross

Agriculture Minister Michael Creed today announced funding awards of €2,460,500 to 137 animal welfare organisations throughout the country involved in protecting animal welfare. The payments will be made with immediate effect.

Minister Creed said:

These organisations contribute greatly to protecting animals, by providing sanctuary for in many instances surrendered, abandoned and at-risk animals and the funding being awarded is evidence of my Department’s on-going commitment in the area of animal welfare and is a recognition of the important role played by these organisations in safeguarding animals particularly pet and companion animals.

In many parts of the country, particularly urban areas, indiscriminate breeding particularly of dogs and cats has led to an oversupply of these animals and consequently increased abandonment.

Some of the recipients of today’s funding are working in conjunction with Local Authorities and supported by the Department in developing facilities for urban and traveller horse populations and to educate young people among these communities in the care and welfare of horses.

The Minister stressed the importance of adults being responsible when considering gifting animals as pets this Christmas time.

Taking ownership of a pet  involves an extensive commitment and a high financial cost and there are times that while gifting animals may well be well intentioned, the reality is that pets being gifted are often abandoned by their new owners when the novelty wears off and it is left to the animal welfare charities to deal with the consequences of these abandonments and this places unnecessary pressure on their resources.

Animal Welfare Helpline:

The helpline will be monitored regularly over the holiday period.

The phone number for the Helpline is: Call Save: 0761 064408 Phone: 01-607 2379

Dedicated email address - animalwelfare@agriculture.gov.ie