ISPCA Launches Urgent National Emergency Appeal

The Irish Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ISPCA) has launched an Urgent National Emergency Appeal, ‘Stop the Pain’, in response to an 80% rise of animal cruelty cases across the nation. 

The post-pandemic surge in cases has placed a significant financial burden and demand for space on the charity. More innocent animals are being abandoned, abused or neglected than ever before. 

“The most significant impact is the large number of cruelty cases being encountered by the ISPCA at this time”, explains Dr. Pete Wedderburn, the veterinary surgeon, journalist, and trustee of the ISPCA. He emphasises the urgency of the situation explaining that the impact of the pandemic is going to stay for some time into the future.

To accommodate the growing number of animals rescued, the ISPCA’s facilities are at full capacity and has been forced to install temporary facilities and utilise private kennels, leading to substantial, unforeseen costs. 

The ISPCA has rescued almost 700 animals in the first quarter of 2023 alone, where dogs, in particular, have been at the forefront of cases of abandonment or cruelty since the pandemic. With more animals expected to be rescued, the financial strain on the ISPCA is expected to escalate further. 

Consequently, their four centres in Donegal, Longford, Mallow and Wicklow have reached maximum occupancy levels. To meet the demand, the ISPCA has seen estimated annual costs  rise to over €500,000 solely to house dogs in private kennels or temporary facilities. 

Dr Cyril Sullivan, CEO of the ISPCA, said that the organisation is in crisis, seeing unprecedented numbers of animals being rescued from cruel situations. 

“Several factors have contributed to the surge in cruelty cases encountered by the ISPCA inspectorate since late 2022, continuing into 2023. Key among these factors is the significant slowdown in the response to rehoming healthy dogs”, said Dr Sullivan.  

“When animals are found to be suffering, the Irish public and ISPCA supporters understand that the charity will take immediate action to ensure their safety. But the financial burden of providing secure housing and care for these animals has become overwhelming. Your support can make all the difference, animals need our help now, there is no time to waste. We need your support, added the CEO of the ISPCA.” 

Donations can be made at www.ispca.ie/donate. Follow the ISPCA on Instagram @ispca_official or Facebook @irish.spca to find out more about their work and their ‘Stop the Pain’ campaign.