Huge increase in calls to helplines during the first two months of 2023

Animals In Need (AIN) have seen a huge increase in calls to their helplines during the first two months of 2023.

It is always a busy time after Christmas for the dog rescuers, as people no longer want puppies given as presents or puppies that had been bred for the Christmas market but were not sold are handed in.

However, this year has also seen a spike in the number of calls regarding cats, either from people wishing to give their cat or kitten up and also for assistance with neutering cats, including stray and feral cats.

Already this year, AIN has had 68 cats neutered, saving hundreds, if not thousands, of kittens from being born into a life of suffering.

This year has already seen some very sad situations and tragic endings, but there have also been joyful reunions between lost pets and their owners and happy endings for those who were adopted.

Marcia and Theo would like a home together

AIN helps animals and the community in a number of ways, including assisting Social Services and the Gardaí.

Time and again, the problems regarding unwanted animals in Donegal have arisen from that same old story – people not neutering their pet dog or cat.

Probably nine out of ten of the dogs AIN rescues are collies.

The Letterkenny Pound is constantly filling up with collie dogs and there is nowhere for them to go.

Yet many farmers are still continuously breeding their female collie in the hope of getting a good working dog from the litter.

If they are lucky, they may get one sheepdog, but that leaves half a dozen pups who are now surplus to requirements and these pups, who are not cut out for a working life, are ending up in the Pound before they are a year old.

This puts unmeasurable pressure not only on AIN’s volunteers, but on other rescues around the county, as they then desperately try to save these young dogs and find them homes.

According to figures released by Statista.com, there were approximately 457,000 dogs in Ireland in 2021 (excluding stray dogs), an increase of 32,000 dogs from 2010 when the figure was 425,000, which is a lot of dogs.

Thing will only get better when those breeding so irresponsibly stop doing so and get their dog neutered.

Collies are not disposable, they are living, breathing, intelligent and loyal companions who deserve so much better.

Meanwhile, AIN have launched an appeal to find a home for two lovely bonded cats called Marcia and Theo, who have arrived at AIN due a change in their heartbroken owner’s circumstances.

Marcia was adopted from AIN to keep Theo company a couple of years ago and they have since become inseparable.

Marcia is now a very confident two-year-old, whereas four-year-old Theo is happy to take a backseat and chill.

It would be a shame to separate them as they are so bonded. Both are neutered, vaccinated, litter tray trained and microchipped.

If you could offer this adorable duo a home together, please contact the cat helpline.

Cat Tony, who was rescued last week, is still struggling with his breathing but has improved overall and is back at the vets for a review this week.

A ginger stray cat was rescued from Burt and several kittens have been found around the county during the week.

Meanwhile, stray ginger and white kitten Leo has made a fantastic recovery since he was found two weeks ago emaciated, dehydrated, with bad cat flu and eye infections.

His good luck continues, as he has a good home lined up once he is fully fit.

Finally, AIN would like to say a huge thank you to everyone who continues to donate pet food at the collection points in So-Lo Stores, Donegal Town and Pets R Us Superstore in Donegal Town. The donated food helps to feed animals that are in cat colonies, in foster homes or assists struggling families and is much appreciated.

To help AIN’s animals, please donate €2 to AIN’s ‘Help Us To Help Them’ fundraising appeal via your phone by texting the word ‘KITTEN’ to 50300. Every last cent goes directly to the rescued animals for their food, bedding, vet bills, worming treatment and vaccinations.

For further information on adoption, fostering, volunteering etc, please contact the main helpline on 087 1356188. For cat/kitten enquiries please call 087 7644420. Animals In Need Donegal is also on Facebook and has a website at http://www.animalsinneeddonegal.com.