A quarter of the 17,500 dogs abandoned or given up by their owners last year were destroyed even though many were healthy.

Animal welfare groups may be able to microchip dogs at subsidised rates for those who cannot afford to pay for a visit to the vet.

Two Limerick charities yesterday hailed a Dublin woman whose will means they will share €500,000 for their work in animal welfare.

The head of a leading dog welfare charity has urged the Cork Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals to make a decision soon on a takeover proposal.

Dogs Trust, one of the largest dog welfare charities in Europe, has offered to take over the centre operated by the Cork Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

IN your feature on the stray dogs crisis headlined ‘Left to die’ (December 23), Dogs Trust is mentioned a number of times and, unfortunately, there is an inaccuracy we would like to correct.

ANIMAL welfare personnel yesterday warned of continued attacks by dangerous dogs until adequate resources are put into tackling the control of such breeds.

CROCODILES which can grow up to three metres long were among a haul of deadly reptiles destined for sale here, it emerged last night.

GARDA and inspectors from the ISPCA raided a puppy farm and removed more than 100 puppies after reports they were being kept in appalling conditions.