An ‘unprecedented’ number of pets have been abandoned and taken to ISPCA shelters so far this year.

The animal welfare charity has today published a new adoption awareness campaign and funding appeal in a bid to house the hundreds of animals in its care.

Between January and August this year, 724 dogs were rescued by the ISCPA.

A dog at the ISPCA launch. Image: ISPCA

The charity said the figure compares to 680 for the full year in 2022, “showing a worrying trend towards pet abandonment”.

It comes as a new Amárach Research survey commissioned by the charity and Mars Petcare found that 60% of people who don’t own a dog would consider getting one, with four-in-ten open to considering adoption.

The research found that concerns over behavioural and health issues alongside fears over a lack of training were the main reasons people would be put off considering adoption.

Meanwhile, a lack of pet-friendly housing as well as pet-friendly facilities in Ireland’s towns and cities were cited as reasons people have been unable to get a dog.

ISPCA Chief Dr Cyril Sullivan and Mars Petcare spokesperson Louise Robinson with their furry friends at the ISPCA launch.

ISPCA Chief Dr Cyril Sullivan said we need to see far more people adopting dogs in Ireland.

“While it’s encouraging to see that almost one-third of dog owners have adopted their pet, this number needs to grow significantly if we are to tackle the growing number of dogs that are currently in shelters across the country,” he said.

“This new research, which was funded with the support of Mars Petcare, shows that cost, behavioural concerns and a lack of facilities and dog-friendly housing are the biggest factors impacting pet adoption at present.

“It also identifies the fact that if shelters could guarantee that behaviour (27%) and health (22%) were not an issue, and provide training to pets (26%), people would be more inclined to adopt.

“To do this, we need the funding.”

Donate

He said the ISPCA is urging people to donate to their local animal shelter this World Animal Day to help the charity rehome the dogs in its care.

“We have over 200 dogs in ISPCA shelters who are in desperate need of a home, and we want to do everything we possibly can to enable their adoptions,” said Dr Sullivan.

The research also found that 8% of those who have or had a dog in the past five years have previously given up a dog for adoption – with a further 8% saying they had considered it.

Behavioural issues were the main reason, followed by a change in housing situation and the inability to properly care for the dog.

“Proper training is a must for those who are buying or adopting dogs, and I would strongly encourage those who are considering getting a pet to make sure that they are cognisant of the level of training and attention needed,” said Dr Sullivan.

“That said, dogs are 100% worth the investment of time for the joy that they bring to their families. Research conducted last year found that 91% of dog owners reported positive impacts on their mental health.”

ISPCA

Mars will be donating 25,000 meals to animal shelters across Ireland as part of its partnership with the ISPCA.

You can donate to the ISPCA here.