Anvil (Animals Need a Voice in Legislation)

Animal Welfare Survey

Almost half of all animals rescued in Ireland must be re-homed abroad

Almost half of all animals rescued in Ireland must be re-homed abroad due to the high number of abandoned animals, a recent survey finds.

Independent animal rescues in Ireland are overwhelmed by the sheer numbers of abandoned animals.

(Dublin, October 2007) A recent survey of some of the largest independent animal rescues in Ireland has revealed that 37% of rescued animals are being re-homed abroad. Indeed, some animal sanctuaries are sending almost all (99%) their animals outside the country for re-homing.

Animal rescues explain that there are not enough homes for these animals in Ireland due to the over-production of dogs and cats and the excess must be exported to be re-housed elsewhere.

Just over a half of all these animals are re-homed in Ireland and the remainder are re-homed outside the country. The UK is the principal destination used by all animal rescues which send animals to be re-housed abroad. As one large animal rescue explains, “Without the help from supporting UK organisations we would be paralysed. There are simply not enough homes in Ireland for the amount of animals presented to us” Switzerland, Germany and Sweden are also accepting unwanted Irish dogs and cats and are used by under half the sample.

These findings highlight the need for proper legislation to control the production and care of animals in Ireland. Another animal rescue noted, “Without a means of population control the abuse and neglect of animals will continue” Miriam Anderson, the founder of Anvil, pointed out that in one three year period alone, more than 55,000 healthy dogs were killed in Irish pounds.

The “State of Animal Rescue in Ireland” report was conducted by Anvil to understand the conditions of independent animal rescues in Ireland and the numbers of abandoned animals which they help.

Anvil (Animals Need a Voice in Legislation) was set up to ensure the protection of all animals in legislation. At present in Ireland there is no government minister or department with responsibility for companion animals or pets. Current legislation dates from early in the last century (1911) and is ineffective. As a result hundreds of thousands of dogs and cats are treated cruelly.

Contact details:

Anvil
www.anvilireland.ie/
Tel: 086-1999512
email: info@anvilireland.ie

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