Surrenders up as LSPCA look back on busy 2017
The LSPCA welcomed a €23,000 Department of Agriculture grant, after a busy 2017 where the number of animals being surrendered locally increased significantly.
The LSPCA’s Honorary Inspector, Fiona Squibb explained the challenges that remain for volunteers as 2018 gets underway.
‘Feral cats are still a great problem in lots of areas in Louth. We have tried to help as much as we can but its so time consuming, its hard to help all. We have also been neutering as many as possible.’
She appealed for people who had borrowed cat cages from the LSPCA to return them as they are costly to replace.
‘We have had so much support in many different ways. Bags of food delivered to us,fundraising, volunteers, fosterers, not forgetting the all important families who have homed our animals. Petsafe, Dundalk have given lots of toys and other items. Pet Connection in Newry have had a wish list up for us and helped to rehome some of our kittens. Ardee Pet Supplies have been terriffic supporters for some time.’
Fiona and the Kennel Manager Shannon Farrelly also visited Crufts, where they ‘ got to meet lots of people, one being Mr Burns of Burns Petfood, through this we got a very welcome donation from them.’
‘We also had the Louth Rose Aoife Heffron visit and volun- teer for a day. She enjoyed her time, and visited again when we had Santa Paws in December,’ said Fiona.
The volunteers have been brilliant, always there to jump in when asked. We have some who come to us through TUS, their support has been great.’
‘We have to say big thank you to Department of Agriculture for the ex gratia grant we received. It was absolutely the best Christmas present and we really appreciate the Minister for granting it,’ said Fiona.