Meath Dog shelter says number of surrendered dogs has doubled

Owners telling staff they will put pets down if rescue centre can't take them

A DOG shelter near Dunshaughlin says that it is being put under huge pressure by desperate dog owners threatening to have their pets put down unless they they take them in.

The number of dogs being surrendered has more than doubled in the last year according to Meath Dog Shelter who says rescues and shelters are struggling to accommodate people who no longer want their pets.

Philip Dempsey, kennel assistant with MDS operated by Meath County Council says he has never seen such demand.

"At the end of January this year we had taken in 42 dogs compared to 22 on the same time last year so the number has doubled," he said.

"Some people are giving you a day's notice saying if you can't take the dog today they are going to the vets and being put asleep because we can't cope with them anymore. Some people say they are leaving the country tomorrow and need you to take them. There are people who give you time too but some people put a gun to your head and say take the dog and that's it. We are all dog lovers her and we don't want to see any dog put to sleep so we are doing everything we can to take them in and get them rehomed."

Philip says there are various reasons why there is such a surge in demand for dogs to be surrendered.

"A lot of people got dogs during Covid and we are still seeing those pets coming in because people are going back to the office and simply can't care for it anymore.

"A lot of people are downsizing moving from large rented accommodation to smaller rented accommodation and there is no room for the dog or the landlord won't let the tenant have a dog. When getting a pet you need to think fifteen years into the future.

"Look at your own lifestyle and ask yourself does this dog suit my life, research the breed. If you are active and like walking and hiking you need a good active dog. Look at the size of your house and the size of your garden."

Philip has urged the government to take action on recommendations recently put to the Oireachtas committee from a canine behavioural expert calling for the government to introduce a mandatory theory for potential dog owners.

"Dogs are a huge commitment and take a lot of work, people don't realise that," he said. Something like a theory test would force people to learn about caring for a dog and wouldn't make it as easy as it is now to get one."

"Everyone leaving here has a dog licence but no one that comes in here has one and half the dogs aren't even chipped."

Prospective dog owners should always adopt rather than buy according to Philip who is appealing for those interested in owning a dog to contact Meath Dog Shelter.

"There needs to be a clamp down on breeding, there are so many dogs already out there that need a home. We have some gorgeous dogs at the moment and more to come.

"Foster based rescues are brilliant too, they have already lived in homes, they will know a lot more about the dog. They'd know if the dog is good with cats or with kids and if you are a first time dog owner they are there to provide continued support."