Shelters “at breaking point” with increased number of abandoned animals as country reopens

Some of these surrenders include “designer” breeds such as Giant Schnauzers, Cockapoos, and Bichon Frises which were in high demand during the lockdown as people started paying breeders thousands of dollars.

These breeds would normally never be seen in shelters in the pre-Covid era, according to rescue workers who took in dogs that originally cost nearly € 2,000. However, rescue centers are now saying families who are back to the “rat race” and facing time constraints no longer want the added responsibilities of dogs.

Abandoned greyhounds also represent a huge financial drain, according to Martina Quinn of Deel Animal Rescue, and account for almost half of the dogs abandoned to rescues. The rescue had to close its doors until they could relocate the 30 dogs and 40 cats – double their limits – that are under its roof.

They also have to face veterinary and kennel costs of up to 100,000 € which are collected apart from a 3,000 € subsidy from the Ministry of Agriculture.

“We have to close temporarily. The past few weeks have been a constant onslaught of dogs and cats with nowhere to go,” she said.

“To paint a clearer picture, the majority of dogs, for example, are donated by their owners. Many of the dogs we care for come from pounds where they have been abandoned by their families.

“Many others were direct surrenders from their humans to us. One of our caregivers is awaiting a lifesaving procedure, but the majority are waiting for routine things like microchipping, sterilization, treatment of parasites – which happens. add up in veterinarians.

“In addition to the dogs in foster care, we currently have around 20 dogs in private boarding, which represents a total of 1,400 € for just one week, we have 40 cats in foster care and our veterinary bills are s. ‘already amount to € 15,000. “

“Unfortunately, greyhounds also represent a huge number in rescues and represent a huge financial drain on rescues resources.

Martina says the three-person volunteer staff can’t cope and are always on the phone trying to organize the logistics for pickups and drop-offs as well as liaising with international relief workers for possible homes.

“It wasn’t lurchers and gray greyhounds that surrendered anymore, but we got a Giant Schnauzer, cocapoos and other breeds that were all the rage during the lockdown. We would usually never see these breeds.

“Over the past few weeks we have been threatened, abused, yelled at on the phone and sent rude emails. The owners told us to take the dogs or they would put them to sleep for no reason.

“It is a terribly unfair thing to hang an animal’s life on someone like that. We are tired of excuses to get rid of pets and we sympathize with genuine people who are so broken that they have to be. separate from their best friend.

“We receive up to 10 calls and emails per day. During the lockdown, we had none.

“We need to take control of the situation and get our bills under control, so we need to shut down temporarily. Contacting vets, behaviorists and trainers for advice should always be a responsible owner’s first port of call, absolutely not. threats of euthanasia.

“We are always there for emergencies and thank our supporters and volunteers who keep us going.”

Meanwhile, Chris Kelly and Ramona Cunningham of Coolronan Rescue in Ballivor say they’ve taken in 14 dogs in the past three days.

“We get up to 12 calls a day. One day there were 27 calls asking to hand over dogs. People are back to work and school and the dog is now left at home all day. , suffering from separation anxiety, ”they said.

“So the parents come home and see that the dog has destroyed the house and they don’t watch it every day so they call us to pick up the dogs.

“We took a ‘Newfie Poo’ – a Newfoundland poodle that cost € 1,850 as a puppy and a Cocker Spaniel crossed with a Bichon Frize that would have cost well over € 1,000. We even just adopted a Pomeranian who was returned after 11 years in a house.

“We have closed for the moment. We have a number of dogs ready to go to Sweden and are just waiting for the vets – who are doing their best for us – to adapt them to various things. Every rescue is breaking point for the moment.”