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18 Jan 2026

Leitrim Animal Welfare Centre full after new years surge of animals in need

Leitrim Animal Welfare Centre has been flooded with Animals in need in the first two weeks of the year.

Leitrim Animal Welfare Centre full after new years surge of animals in need

Dogs in Leitrim Welfare Centre

Reporter:

Eóin Gallagher

18 Jan 2026 11:33 AM

Email:

eoin.gallagher@iconicnews.ie

Leitrim Animal Centre sees a significant spike in the number of animals being surrendered coming into their care in the first weeks of the new year.
The centre has been flooded with requests to shelter around two dozen animals since the start of the new year.
After taking 16 dogs into their care, six of which were abandoned,  the centre’s kennels and cattery are full, meaning they are unable to take any more animals until adoptions take place.
This comes days after a pair of six-week-old puppies were abandoned on the side of the road in a coal sack minutes away from the centre.
“The person who did this could have easily driven to our gates and ensured these puppies were safe … No call was made. No help was sought. This is inhumane. This is cruel. And this is yet another case of puppies dumped after Christmas,” the centre said of the incident.
They were rescued and brought to the centre by a passerby. “The puppies had a significant worm burden and were quite dirty. They were very shut down and lethargic, which we believe was due to a combination of their trauma and worm infestation,” said Megan Gaffney, who works in the centre.
The puppies are responding well to care, and the centre is seeking any information about the incident.
“There are several factors that put increased pressure on animal shelters after Christmas, and it is not simply a case of people buying new puppies and replacing existing pets.”
“Some people make significant life changes in the new year, such as starting a new job, emigrating; others feel financial or emotional strain after Christmas, while winter illness among older owners can also contribute.”
The centre is encouraging those who are struggling to look after their animals to still get in touch and see what supports are available early.
“We strongly encourage people to speak to their local animal shelter before reaching a breaking point.”
“It’s important to ask for help early. While there are genuine surrender cases, many are avoidable through proper research, particularly around dog breeds and whether they are suitable for a person’s lifestyle.”

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