Unwanted pets found dumped in plastic bags, Cork charity warns

Rescue charity launches adoption campaign

'Twenty years ago, we were finding animals dumped in plastic bags and we have returned to that again. The cruelty is unbelievable.'

Pet owners are returning to the horrific practices of 20 years ago by dumping their unwanted animals in plastic bags, a leading rescue charity has warned.

Munster Lost and Found Pet Helpline has launched an adoption campaign for the first time in almost 30 years due to the unprecedented numbers of cats and dogs coming to its shelter.

A spokesperson for the voluntary run group said the centre in Ballinhassig in Cork is now at full capacity with more than 30 dogs available for adoption and 20 cats.

“It is shocking the level of animals coming into centres, not just here but all over the country,” said co-founder Lindsay Kelly.

“We are at capacity now; the number of dogs being dumped is just terrible.

Some of the animals at  Munster Lost and Found Pet Helpline.

“Twenty years ago, we were finding animals dumped in plastic bags and we have returned to that again. We had an awful case in Whitechurch three weeks ago. The cruelty is unbelievable."

Ms Kelly said the issue has escalated since the covid lockdowns, when many people adopted pets as they were working remotely. Additionally, she said, its an issue for renters, who often aren't allowed to have pets in their homes.

“Pet food costs more, vet bills have gone up, and people just can’t afford a pet now," she added.

The group’s appeal comes after the ISPCA launched a “clear the shelter” campaign to rehome hundreds of abandoned dogs. The ISPCA's centres are near full capacity, with 340 animals waiting for homes.

Ms Kelly said they are also offering some training classes to pet owners and have a fostering system where people can come and walk the dogs and get to know them.

“We would ask people to take a look at our adoption page. The animals are all gorgeous and just want a home and to be loved.

“But the crisis of unwanted dogs is getting worse. Every centre is in the same position, and it is very sad. Everything is going against them."