Animal shelters need help from the public to stop the capacity crisis before it becomes too bad, the DSPCA has warned.  

A large number of animal shelters across the country are reaching a crisis point, according to the Dublin Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. 

The cost of living, the housing crisis, and the continued fallout from COVID lockdowns, have led to many shelters reaching full capacity. 

Last month, a record 848 people contacted the DSPCA to surrender their pets. 

The Dublin County dog shelter in Newcastle is the latest to reach capacity with dogs having to sleep outside in crates. 

Head of Communications and Education at the DSPCA Gillian Bird said the situation in many shelters is escalating. 

“I think we are heading towards a crisis," she said. “We really need the help from the public to actually stop this happening before it becomes too bad.” 

Ms Bird said it’s difficult to know exactly why so many more people are giving away their pets, but it is likely connected to the fear of high costs. 

“A lot of the animals we take in are starting to be older animals, they're starting to develop medical conditions,” Ms Bird explained, “I think a lot of people are scared how much it’s going to cost them in the future.” 

She said they are also receiving a lot more younger animals, suggesting that many people simply cannot afford a pet.  

She also said the DSPCA are getting animals from people “whose circumstances have changed”.