'Heartbreaking': Almost 3,000 homeless dogs in shelters

On Tuesday, it became illegal to import, breed, sell and rehome XL bully dogs in Ireland. A full ownership ban comes into effect on February 1.

Almost 3,000 dogs are currently housed in rescues and pounds throughout Ireland, as advocates warned the pressure on the system in this country is “unrelenting” and at “maximum capacity”.

A census conducted by Madra Dog Rescue with Galway County Council and the Department of Rural and Community Development of over 120 rescue organisations has highlighted the “grave reality” faced by vulnerable animals, according to Madra.