The DSPCA has said they have seen an increase of a fifth in animal cruelty cases, with a 54% increase in the number of animals surrendered to their Rathfarnham shelter.
It's launched its Christmas fundraising drive, as it aims to rescue, rehabilitate, and re-home animals.
DSPCA CEO Pat Watt has said the level of cruelty to animals has risen sharply.
“We have experienced a massive increase in the level of cruelty calls – over 20% – and ambulance calls – over 70%,” he said.
“We need to raise funds to help us save more animals, to help to rescue, rehabilitate and rehome them.
“So, we're calling on the public to help supporters through either a one-off Christmas donation or a monthly donation to the DSPCA and the work that we do.”
He warned against buying people pets for Christmas, and said that people could try fostering a dog before taking one home.
Main image: Two dogs, Pan and Crumb, in a cage. Picture by: DSPCA
