Animal homes brace for pet influx
by Neans McSweeney
ANIMAL homes are today bracing themselves for an influx of unwanted pets as families nation wide discard dogs, cats and other animals after the Christmas holidays and inspectors begin their rounds in search of strays.
The Dublin Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals reported a busy holiday period. But it said the real rush will begin when children go back to school and lose interest in the dogs and cats given to them as presents over the past two weeks.
DSPCA’s on call, emergency staff treated a large number of dogs and cats injured in car accidents and took in quite a number of strays over Christmas.
“It’s been busy over the past few days. We’ve treated numerous pets injured in road traffic accidents and also cared for a swan. We don’t know exactly what happened to it but it could not swim,” said an officer.
The situation was similar in Cork where the CSPCA reported a relatively quiet Christmas but is bracing itself for a busy few weeks ahead. “It’s a bit early to look at trends at this stage. We didn’t get too many strays in the few days we were open over Christmas. It won’t be until the middle of February that the real influx begins. For many, the novelty has not yet worn off,” said Alan Tuohy.
Meanwhile, a cash strapped dogs’ home in Britain says it may have to put down hundreds of animals after having to take in an unprecedented number of strays. Manchester Dogs’ Home, which says it takes in more strays than any other organisation in Britain is appealing for help from the public.
The home has built temporary kennels at its Cheshire Dogs’ Home in Grappenhall, near Warrington and transferred some of the dogs there. But chairman, Professor Leon Poller, says this will not solve the problem Manchester Dogs’ Home is facing.
‘‘Although we have a policy of not destroying a healthy dog, this will collapse unless there is public support in re homing our dogs.’’
© The Examiner, 2000