‘We must act now’: Leitrim Animal Welfare urges public support ahead of new year

Leitrim Animal Welfare Centre has launched a fundraising campaign to help ensure they can continue caring for animals as they move toward 2026.

Megan Gaffney, who created the GoFundMe campaign, highlighted that 2026 will be “one of our busiest years yet,” as the centre prepares to welcome more animals than ever before with the addition of their brand-new cattery and a dedicated on-site veterinary room, along with refurbishment work already underway on all of their dog kennels.

“These improvements mean more space, more care, and more lives saved. Once the kennel refurbishment is complete in the next couple of weeks, we’ll be able to say ‘yes’ to more animals than ever before but that growth comes with increased costs,” wrote Megan on the GoFundMe page.

January is always a difficult period for the shelter. “Many of our supporters will remember how devastating January 2025 was, when we were flooded with cases of severe neglect and suffering,” the page explained.

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“Those animals came to us broken, frightened, and in desperate need. And because of you, we were able to give them safety, comfort, veterinary care, and a second chance. That difficult start to the year is a reminder of why our work matters so deeply, and why we must remain prepared for whatever the next year brings.”

Leitrim Animal Welfare remains committed to its Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) programme, which is vital in preventing cat overpopulation. However, each TNR cat costs the shelter an average of €110, and with kitten season approaching, they must intensify their efforts.

“This year has been heart breaking in terms of unwanted litters, we must act now to prevent more suffering in 2026.”

They added, “Your generosity today ensures we begin 2026 on the strongest footing possible, ready to rescue, rehabilitate, neuter, heal, and give every animal who comes to us the chance they deserve.”

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Donations can be made here