Elderly dogs thrown from moving car among those saved by Dogs Trust in 2023 

Jack Russell crosses Tiny and Minnie, who were thrown from a moving car, recovering at Dogs Trust. Picture: Fran Veale

Elderly dogs who were thrown from a moving vehicle, and a litter of seven abandoned puppies were among the dogs rescued by Dogs Trust so far in 2023.

The charity has said they have received a record number of surrender requests this year.

From January to October 2023, they have been contacted by almost 3,500 people seeking to relinquish their dog — the highest since they opened their rehoming centre in 2009.

The charity currently has 248 dogs in its care.

Unwanted behaviour, accommodation challenges and owners not having enough time are the three most commonly provided reasons by people asking to surrender dogs.

Two recent victims of the ongoing unwanted dog crisis are Tiny and Minnie, both Jack Russell Terriers of approximately 11 years of age, who were thrown from a moving car in Dublin. 

After being treated for their initial injuries and kept under observation for a week by The Irish Blue Cross, both dogs came to Dogs Trust to continue their rehabilitation and to be rehomed.

11-year-old Jack Russell crosses Tiny and Minnie, who were thrown from a moving car, recovering at Dogs Trust. Picture: Fran Veale

Another example is a litter of seven Springer Spaniel puppies who were found abandoned at the gate to the charity’s rehoming centre. 

The pups had sarcoptic mange, a highly contagious condition, causing extreme itching and discomfort to both dogs and people.

Niamh Curran-Kelly, Veterinary and Welfare Manager at Dogs Trust Ireland said: "We are seeing more and more cases of dogs being abandoned with extensive veterinary needs, and it has made us question if people cannot currently afford to look after their dogs?"

As part of their new 'Save the Next Dog' campaign, the charity is launching an emotive, new TV advert.

8-week-old Springer Spaniel puppies Sleepy and Happy, along with their five siblings, were abandoned at the gates of Dogs Trust Ireland. Picture: Fran Veale

Regional manager Eimear Cassidy at Dogs Trust Ireland explained: "We are being contacted by dog pounds and other welfare organisations around the country, as well as members of the public, asking us to take dogs. 

It’s distressing to hear the desperation in the voices of the people who contact us and having to say that we only have space for a certain number of dogs breaks our hearts. 

"Everyone involved in dog welfare is trying their very best to help as many dogs as possible but the sheer number of dogs who have nowhere to go is overwhelming.” 

Executive Director of Dogs Trust Ireland, Suzie Carley concluded: "Many dog owners in Ireland are in crisis and being forced to make heart-breaking decisions. 

"The sad truth is that it’s getting tougher to save every dog that needs us. We are appealing to the dog-loving public to please support us, so we can continue to save the next dog in need.”