Leitrim Animal Welfare receives thousands in Government funding

Leitrim’s only animal shelter, Leitrim Animal Welfare Centre, has received funding from the Department of Agriculture under the Animal Welfare Grants Programme.

The welfare centre was awarded €35,000 as part of a total allocation of €6,434,803 distributed to 94 animal welfare charities nationwide, in recognition of their excellent work and the challenges they face. 

This is the highest amount ever awarded under the Animal Welfare Grants Programme.

Leitrim Animal Welfare takes in between 300 and 400 dogs and cats each year. The number of animals in need is currently rising, meaning the centre must continue to expand its services. They expect 2026 to be one of their busiest years yet, as explained in a fundraising appeal launched earlier this month.

In addition to caring for and rehoming dogs and cats, the centre also runs an extensive Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) programme, which is vital in preventing cat overpopulation.

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Martin Heydon TD, Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, announced the funding on December 12.

“I am delighted to be in a position to provide the highest ever allocation under the grants programme to animal welfare charities throughout the country. I would like to take this opportunity to personally thank the staff and all the volunteers in these organisations for their dedication to achieving the best possible outcomes to animals in their care,” Minister Heydon said.

He also urged the public to think carefully before getting a pet this Christmas. “A pet can bring great joy, but with that comes responsibility. Owning and caring for a pet is a major, long-term commitment,” he said.

Leitrim Animal Welfare also recently issued an appeal encouraging people to adopt rather than buy from breeders, and to be mindful of the long-term responsibilities of pet ownership.

“Give puppies in Ireland the best gift this Christmas: choose not to buy. It doesn’t just affect one litter, it impacts every future litter that won’t be bred when the profit disappears. Real change starts with one decision,” the shelter said in an appeal on social media.

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