Sharp increase in number of dogs surrendered to Offaly dog shelter

One of the lovely dogs seeking a good home at Offaly Dog Shelter

placeholder image — One of the lovely dogs seeking a good home at Offaly Dog Shelter

There has been a sharp increase in the number of dogs being surrendered to the Offaly Dog Shelter since May, Mary Hussey Senior Engineer with Offaly County Council told a meeting of Tullamore Municipal District.

In a report to the meeting, councillors learned that almost 100 dogs have been surrendered to the Dog Warden in the past six months. In 2022 so far the Control of Dogs team has cared for more dogs than in either 2020 or 2021.

Mary Hussey said the big message is, if people are thinking of acquiring a dog over the Christmas then maybe they would look at getting one from the dog shelter rather than buying a new dog.

Kennel Assistant at the Offaly dog shelter Alma Kelly said, ''some are surrendered dogs while the others are strays.''

Alma said she is finding more people are surrendering their dogs, with many saying their circumstances have changed. ''What I am finding lately is that there is no one looking for bigger dogs; they are all looking for small house dogs,'' she said.

There is a mixture of old and young dogs at the shelter including Collies, Labradors and Lurchers.

Alma says there will probably be more dogs surrendered after Christmas. Dogs at the shelter are kept for as long as needed,'' she said.

Offaly Dog Shelter is always looking for suitable homes for stray or unwanted dogs. Please contact the Dog Pound on (057) 9351181 for information on dogs currently seeking a home.

The Dog Pound is open to the public from 10.00 - 12.30 on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday strictly by appointment only. (Closed on Wednesday and Sunday).

If your dog has strayed or is missing, you should contact the dog pound directly to check whether your dog has been picked up.