‘Adopt, don’t shop’ is the message from Meath animal charity this Christmas

Last Hope urges families not buy pets as gifts as the number of unwanted dogs and cats continues to rise

HANNAH McNAMARA

AN animal rescue shelter is urging people to adopt and shop for pets this Christmas in bid to drive down numbers of abandoned animals.

Last Hope Animal Charity are asking those who are thinking of gifting a pet this festive season to adopt them from animal shelters which are currently at breaking point as the number of unwanted dogs and cats soars to unprecedented levels.

The Meath-based charity has created a petition in response to the dire situation calling for immediate government action both in relation to animal neutering and puppy breeding.

Donna Ansley, volunteer with Last Hope said: "Despite being a nation with a high percentage of pets, there is very much still the mentality that animals are just commodities to be utilised for profit or discarded when the novelty has worn off. The rescue centres are full to capacity and large numbers of puppies are still being bred and sold.

MADRA Dog Rescue conducted the first-ever national census of homeless dogs recently and found that 3,227 dogs are currently in shelters and pounds across the country. Additionally there are hundreds of dogs on waiting lists for space in a shelter.

Last Hope believe a moratorium on dog breeding is urgently needed as well as a nationwide neutering programme for cats, whose populations are well out of control.

Donna said: "We need to raise public awareness as to the extent of the situation and to take collective responsibility whether its neutering one’s own animal, adopting from a rescue centre, or even fostering or simply making a donation."

Donna explained the heartbreaking reality for animals in shelters: "What people don't seem to realise is that many healthy animals in municipal pounds end up being euthanised because they simply haven't been adopted."

Last Hope Animal Charity was founded in 2004 by Hilary Bartley in response to the growing number of animals in distress and neglect at the time. The organisation of foster volunteers and rescuers has grown in numbers and has helped many thousands animals since its infancy. To sign their petition 'Call For Immediate Action For Fair Treatment For Animals In Ireland' go to www.change.org

If you have any queries regarding the petition or how to get involved and help out, you can contact them at info@lasthope.ie

Meanwhile, Maxi Zoo Ireland has launched its Shelter Wishes campaign for the month of December, which will see 29 animal charities across 15 counties benefit. As part of this, Last Hope and Royal Dog Rescue will receive products from under the Christmas tree at the Maxi Zoo stores in Navan and Ashbourne respectively to make the festive season extra special for the animals in its care.

You can donate instore to the Shelter Wishes campaign through picking a wish from the Christmas tree in your local Maxi Zoo store, buying the product on the wish card for the chosen charity and putting the product under the tree for the charity to collect before Christmas.

With the aim of helping organisations and volunteer groups who desperately need funding to survive, Head of Marketing at Maxi Zoo Ireland Anthony Cremin said: "It’s heartwarming to see how much Maxi Zoo Ireland customers across the country get behind the Shelter Wishes Campaign, helping to make Christmas special for so many animals in need.”