'Devastating:' Animal rescue that serves Kilkenny must close down over council drainage issue

An animal rescue close to Kilkenny has announced it is closing its kennels over issues with Tipperary County Council regarding drainage at its site. 

PAWS Animal Rescue, based in Mullinahone, said: "It is with a heavy heart that we share this with you.

"After lengthy discussions with Tipperary County Council, we have come to the devastating realisation that their drainage requirements on site are simply beyond our reach. It is too big an ask for a small rescue like ours.
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"We’ve had numerous drainage companies, several engineers, and many experts on site. Sadly, all opinions are pointing in the same direction—towards a scale of work that’s entirely out of proportion with our fundraising capabilities.

"We’re talking about percolation tests, ground weight-bearing tests, tearing up the centre aisle of the kennels, replacing it with new piping systems, rerouting all washout water, installing massive tanks—the list goes on. It’s not just one job—it’s a full-blown civil engineering project.

"And so, with broken hearts, we must now face the hardest truth of all: we will have no option but to close down the existing kennels.

"We will be reaching out to our friends in rescue—both here in Ireland and overseas—to help us find safe placements for the 26 dogs currently in our care.
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"There is absolutely no doubt that, in some cases, this will be difficult. Some of these dogs are complex, older, or need more time and understanding than most places can give.

"But we will do everything in our power to secure the best outcomes for every single one of them.

"We had such high hopes for this site. We dreamed of a permanent, secure place where our dogs could heal and wait for the homes they deserve. We’ve poured blood, sweat, tears—and every last cent—into keeping it going.

"But this latest blow has left us with no safe or sustainable path forward at this location.

"Please know this: we are not giving up.

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"We are already searching for a new site—somewhere more manageable, somewhere where we can rebuild without being buried in red tape and impossible costs.

"We don’t need much—just a place to start again. Somewhere we can do what we’ve always done: care for the forgotten ones, the frightened ones, the ones no one else will take.

"And as always, we need your help.

"We need eyes and ears on the ground. We also need contacts, connections, suggestions, and ideas. We need donations, shares, and people who care enough to help us rise again.

"To those of you who have stood by us all this time, thank you. Your support, your kindness, your belief in us—it’s what keeps us going.

"Yes, this is a low point. But we’ve been here before, and we’ve come back stronger every time. We will keep going—because the dogs need us, and because walking away from them has never been an option.

"Please get in touch if you know of any suitable kennels, buildings, or opportunities that might help us relocate. Now more than ever, PAWS needs its community.

"Please share this far and wide. With heartfelt thanks, Gina, PAWS Animal Rescue."