Adopt don’t shop for a dog this Christmas

By Leitrim Observer Reporter
Published 24th Nov 2022, 11:00 GMT
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Crisis Point: Leitrim’s animal shelter can take in no more stray dogs

Leitrim Animal Welfare in Drumkeerin is “at capacity” and can take in no more dogs. Leitrim Animal Warden Larry O'Connor said they can no longer take in any stray dogs and are going to seek  emergency funds from the Government to help with outside kenneling. Mr O'Connor said they found a dog with 16 pups recently and are encouraging people to get their animals neutered. He said people who need to surrender dogs must  contact LAW in advance so a place can be sought somewhere in the country.

Mr O'Connor said the increase in dogs is partly down to the overflow from Covid but also due to people having to move for work or tenants displaced. He said all animal centres are  at “crisis point.” LAW want to get the message out to people and families to please not buy a puppy for Christmas and to think about adopting a rescue dog. He also commented that   if someone gets into financial trouble it is often the dog that feels the pinch first.  The Leitrim centre joins numerous rescue centres nationwide to close their doors to any more dogs. No dog will be euthanised as is the policy of Christine Coulson. There are three full time and three part time staff working at the centre 365 days a year.placeholder image
Mr O'Connor said the increase in dogs is partly down to the overflow from Covid but also due to people having to move for work or tenants displaced. He said all animal centres are  at “crisis point.” LAW want to get the message out to people and families to please not buy a puppy for Christmas and to think about adopting a rescue dog. He also commented that   if someone gets into financial trouble it is often the dog that feels the pinch first.  The Leitrim centre joins numerous rescue centres nationwide to close their doors to any more dogs. No dog will be euthanised as is the policy of Christine Coulson. There are three full time and three part time staff working at the centre 365 days a year.

If a person is thinking of getting a dog Leitrim Warden service strongly urges people to adopt instead of  buying and also to think through the decision of getting a dog properly as pet ownership is a very long-term commitment, and make sure you have a landlord's permission first. He reminded the public  that puppies grow bigger than expected and need to be fed, sheltered, exercised and cared for daily. “If there was nobody buying dogs, there would be less dogs in shelters and less puppy farming,” he concluded.

Related topics:LeitrimDrumkeerinGovernment
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