Lack of government intervention into closure of Donegal ISPCA centre criticised

Deputy Charles Ward has criticised the lack of government intervention into the closure of the Donegal ISPCA centre in Ballyare.

The Donegal Deputy said: "I have written to Minister Heydon regarding the closure of the ISPCA Animal Centre in Donegal, a devastating decision that is detrimental to animal welfare in the northwest region. Just over the weekend, we saw that 14 dogs were rescued from horrific conditions, but these dogs no longer have a place to go."

Deputy Ward claimed that distressed, injured, or abandoned animals will now have to travel considerable distances to reach the nearest facility, which means longer transport times, raising serious questions about their welfare and the capacity of other centres to absorb this additional demand. He said it also raises questions about the costs that this will involve, given that the Donegal centre was closed because of "serious financial challenges."

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The 100% Redress Party TD addressed Minister Jim O’Callaghan in the Dáil today. Ward asked: "What arrangements have been made to ensure that animals in Donegal continue to receive timely and appropriate care, and that transport distances do not compromise the welfare of these animals?"

Deputy Ward went on to urge Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Martin Heydon, to intervene and reopen the Donegal ISPCA Centre immediately.