New animal legislation urgently needed, says group

Almost half of all animals rescued in Ireland must be re-homed outside the country due to the high number of abandoned animals, a recent survey has found.

According to Anvil (Animals Need a Voice in Legislation), almost 40% of rescued animals are being re-homed abroad.

Indeed, some animal sanctuaries are sending almost all (99%) their animals outside the country for re-homing.

There are not enough homes for these animals in Ireland due to the over-production of dogs and cats and the excess must be exported to be re-housed elsewhere.

Anvil estimates that approximately 25,000 dogs and cats are rescued by independent animal rescues.

“Without the help from supporting UK organisations, we would be paralysed,” said a representative from one animal shelter.

“There are simply not enough homes in Ireland for the amount of animals presented to us.”

Switzerland, Germany and Sweden are also accepting unwanted Irish dogs and cats and are used by under half the sample.

According to Anvil, the findings highlight the need for proper legislation to control the production and care of animals in Ireland.

“Without a means of population control the abuse and neglect of animals will continue,” said another animal rescue.

Miriam Anderson, spokesperson for Anvil, pointed out that in one three-year period alone, more than 55,000 mainly healthy dogs were killed in Irish pounds.

The ‘State of Animal Rescue in Ireland’ report was recently conducted by Anvil to understand the conditions of independent animal rescues in Ireland and to quantify the numbers of abandoned animals which they help.