Overbreeding of dogs still a major problem in Donegal - Animals in Need

The vast majority of unwanted dogs in Donegal are collies.

This has been the case since Animals In Need (AIN) was founded and the charity is currently inundated with collies coming in both from the Letterkenny Pound and being surrendered directly by their owners.

The situation is now so out of hand that AIN has no foster spaces left and cannot take in anymore surrendered dogs at the moment.

This is mostly due to overbreeding, with countless litters being produced in the hope that one of the dogs will turn out be a good working dog. The rest of the pups are surplus to requirements and instead end up in the Pound or being handed in to Rescues such as AIN.

Collies are the most intelligent breed of dog. They are also energetic, extremely loyal and people orientated.

In an active home, this breed will thrive but they do need an outlet to channel their intelligence and energy, so an active home or taking part in agility and obedience groups are perfect ways to ensure you have a happy, healthy pet.

Collies are very popular as pets in the UK, which is why many of AIN’s rescued collies collect their Pet Passports and head off over to England, where they are found fantastic homes as family pets through a brilliant Rehoming Centre that AIN works with.

Two surviving baby rabbits are doing well 

However, until the overbreeding and discarding of potential working dogs stops, the huge problem of unwanted dogs in Donegal will continue spiralling, with Rescues such as AIN left to pick up the pieces.

Meanwhile, there is good news from the cattery, as Kobi, a cat found with a horrifically swollen paw, is responding well to veterinary treatment.

Kobi was suffering from Eosinophilic Pododermatitis when he was found, a condition caused by the cat’s immune system attacking his own paw pads.

He is much happier now that the medication is starting to work. He has a healthy appetite and hopefully should make a full recovery.

Foster cat Zeus is also recuperating.

Zeus had to have a back leg amputated recently and is healing well although he is fed up with wearing a cone around his neck. However, he will be having his stitches out this week and has quickly adjusted to life on three legs.

Kittens should not be allowed outside unattended until they are six months old and have been neutered, yet a ten-week-old kitten was found wandering around Letterkenny all alone last week. Thankfully he was found by a member of the public who brought him to safety at AIN.

Jasper was dumped out an AIN Foster Home 

A lovely young ginger cat called Jasper is one of AIN’s foster cats who are ready for adoption. Jasper had been dumped outside an AIN foster home a few weeks ago. He’s a gorgeous cat and if you are interested in offering him a home, please contact the cat helpline.

Last week, a family of four baby domesticated rabbits were found in a garden after the resident cat disturbed the nest where they were hidden and proceeded to bring them into the house, one by one, over a period of four days.

Sadly, one of the baby rabbits passed away, probably from internal injuries but the cat was fairly gentle with them and two of the baby rabbits bore no injuries, although one had a sore eye.

The fourth baby rabbit had a small wound cleaned and glued but unfortunately he passed away during the week from his injuries.

The surviving two rabbits are doing well in their foster home and hopefully will continue to thrive.

Finally, AIN’s charity shops play a vital role in financing the everyday running of the organisation. If you have any unwanted items to donate, please consider AIN, and if you are looking for a bargain, please pop in. AIN has a charity shop in Donegal Town and Letterkenny.

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.