Leitrim Animal Welfare 'thrilled' to receive over €30k funding after a hard year

Leitrim Animal Welfare (LAW) Barraghmore, Drumkeeran, Co. Leitrim is set to receive €39,400 in funding from the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.  

The Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Charlie McConalogue TD, today announced funding of €6 million to 101 animal welfare charities nationwide. 

Speaking on the receipt of this funding, LAW Manager Megan Gaffney said: "We are thrilled to have been awarded a grant of €39,400 from the Department of Agriculture, Food & Marine. This funding will greatly support the essential work we do at Leitrim Animal Welfare."

READ MORE: Adaptation Grants of up to €40,000 available in Leitrim

She continued: "The grant will be vital in covering the costs of veterinary care, food, shelter improvements, and the continuation of our services.

"With the demand for our support growing, this funding will allow us to expand our reach and continue making a difference in the lives of vulnerable animals across the region."

Megan explained the importance of LAW's role in animal welfare in Ireland which dates back to the founding of the organisation twenty seven years ago. She said: "Our organisation was founded in 1997 by a remarkable woman named Christine Coulson, who was a trailblazer in advocating for stronger animal welfare laws in Ireland. Her dedication paved the way for significant changes, and we continue to honour her legacy in our ongoing work."

In 2003, after a successful trial period, LAW took over the operations of the dog pound in Leitrim and were the first in Ireland to implement a no-kill policy, ensuring that no healthy dog is ever put to sleep. Megan stated that this policy remains central to LAW's mission, and the funding will help them uphold this commitment.

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Minister McConalogue said: “These grants will support the organisations in the vital work they do across the country, protecting, rescuing and taking care of animals, and providing education and guidance so as to prevent welfare problems from arising in the future.

I recognise that again this year, animal welfare charities have had additional pressures to deal with, and I would like to thank their staff and volunteer for their dedication.” 

Highlighting the important work done by animal welfare charities in Ireland, the Minister said: 

“I’d like to acknowledge the important work carried out, often in very challenging circumstances, by animal welfare organisations and their dedicated volunteers and staff across Ireland. Animal welfare charities play a crucial role in helping animals in need, educating people, and raising public awareness and improving animal welfare."

Megan said: "Beyond rescuing, rehabilitating, and rehoming animals, we also run educational programs for both primary and secondary schools, teaching children the importance of responsible pet ownership and animal welfare. In addition, we manage a Trap, Neuter, and Release (TNR) scheme for feral cats, helping to control the population in a humane and effective way.

Minister McConalogue also said: "Responsible pet ownership campaigns can help to reduce the number of dogs abandoned or surrendered, and therefore can reduce the pressure on dog shelters and charities. For this reason, the Programme for Government included a commitment to promote responsible pet ownership.”  

Megan concluded: "We would also like to express our gratitude to the local community for their unwavering support, whether through donations, volunteering, or adopting animals in need. Their kindness is what enables us to keep doing this important work."

In advance of the Christmas season, the Minister is reminding the public that pet ownership is a long-time commitment with financial and lifestyle commitments that need to be considered.