'We are begging' - Dogs Trust fears abandonment crisis as hundreds of pets surrendered in just 1 month

An animal rescue is warning of a pet abandonment crisis as they continue to receive a huge number of surrender requests from pet owners across Ireland. 

It comes as Dogs Trust Ireland (DTI) has reportedly received 412 requests since Christmas Day from members of the public seeking to surrender their dogs. 

According to the rescue, the figure follows on from the 3,968 requests received last year, the highest volume seen since opening their doors in 2009. 

If the number of requests continues at the same rate every month of 2024, the record figure seen in 2023 will be broken again. 

According to DTI, the most common reasons for wanting to surrender a dog are owners not having enough time, accommodation issues and exhibiting unwanted behaviours. 

As shelters across the country are struggling to cope with the volume of dogs needing help, cases of abandonment are being seen more frequently. 

That's according to the Assistant Manager at DTI, Sandra Ruddell, who recalled a recent incident where a member of the public found two emaciated Pitbull crossbreed puppies found at a bog in Donadea, Co Kildare. 

She said, "The sight of these two, defenceless little pups with their bones protruding broke my heart. We know there is very little rescue space available at the moment by the sheer volume of dogs we are being asked to take in, but we are begging people not to abandon their dogs, especially young puppies who have very little chance of survival if not discovered quickly." 

PR and Communications Manager at DTI, Corina Fitzsimons, said, "It’s incredibly upsetting to see the increase in dogs being abandoned, especially young puppies. While [we] don’t know what would drive someone to abandon them in such a way, it’s clear that in their short lives, they hadn’t received the love and care that all puppies need.

"We are also worried about their mum and if there were any other pups in the litter. However, we’re glad these two pups are with us now, so we can nurse them back to health until they are ready to be adopted.” 

DTI reportedly found loving homes for over 1,000 dogs in 2023, however due to "stretched resources" they are appealing to the public for support to continue their mission.