Animal welfare charity sees cases of abuse double

The numbers of injured and frightened animals being treated by an animal welfare group over the Halloween period has more than doubled.

The Dublin Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (DSPCA) has said over the past three weeks they have been dealing with up to six animals per day which have been injured, killed, or severely frightened by illegal fireworks and bonfires.

Halloween celebrations culminate tonight with hundreds of bonfires, fireworks, and trick or treating.

Gillian Bird of the DSPCA said they have been inundated with calls and visits by members of the public, and are desperately urging people to be vigilant with animals.

The DSPCA has dealt with more than 100 injured animals over the past three weeks. “We have been dealing with all sorts of injured pets and wild animals with burns and extremely distressed animals. We are dealing with up to six animals daily at this stage which is very worrying,” she said.

“Normally we would treat around two animals per day around this time of the year but the numbers are increasing beyond what we expected. The last thing we want to see happen are animals being abused or even killed as the celebrations reach a crescendo over the weekend,” Ms Bird said.

“We have dealt with injured hedgehogs who have sought refuge under dried-out wood already used in bonfires, injured and dead foxes presumably running scared from illegal fireworks, along with household pets such as cats and dogs.”

The DSPCA is pleading with owners not to dress pets up in costumes, not to take them trick or treating, or take them near bonfires and fireworks as it is dangerous for them and they become distressed.

The public is being urged to report animal abuse and neglect immediately to the gardaí or to contact the DSPCA on 01 4994700.