JSPCA PRESS RELEASE

November 2004  

JSPCA ANIMALS' SHELTER OFFERS LIFELINE TO IRISH STRAY DOGS

Unlike the situation in Jersey, there are an enormous number of stray dogs in Ireland, which, once caught, are often taken to the nearest dog pound.  If the dog is lucky, the owner may come forward to claim the dog within five days, otherwise the animal is euthansed once this five-day grace period has expired; 87% of Ireland’s unwanted dogs are destroyed, compared to only 14% in the UK.  

Hearing of the plight of these Irish strays, the JSPCA Animals’ Shelter contacted the Animal Sanctuary Hubasha (ASH) in County Wicklow to offer help in re-homing some of the numerous stray dogs that are awaiting new homes at the sanctuary.  Nine young dogs, all of which were previously stray dogs, were transported to Jersey and are now available for re-homing from the JSPCA Animals’ Shelter.  These dogs are mainly cross breeds and are all of loving natures.  They are very friendly and have been fully vaccinated, neutered, microchipped and have received a thorough veterinary health check.  Before being available for re-homing, all of the dogs have also undergone a two week ‘quarantine’ period at the JSPCA Animals’ Shelter, which was necessary in order to quickly detect and contain any health problems that may have arisen.

The stray dog situation in Ireland highlights the need to promote responsible pet ownership, including the routine neutering of dogs, proper pet identification (for example through collars and tags or microchipping), the provision of appropriate veterinary care, as well as arranging for the dog to be properly cared for whilst the owner is away from home or at work.

Anyone interested in the work of the JSPCA Animals’ Shelter or the Shelter’s re-homing policies should contact the JSPCA reception.

ENDS

• All of the animals available for re-homing at the JSPCA Animals’ Shelter have been fully vaccinated, neutered (as appropriate for the species), have undergone a thorough health check with a veterinary surgeon and are temperament assessed before being placed in a suitable home. 

• For further information about re-homing dogs, cats, rabbits, ferrets or other small mammals, please contact reception at the JSPCA Animals’ Shelter, telephone 01534 724331.

• Remi and Helena Le Mahieu run the Animal Sanctuary Hubasha (ASH).  Remi and Helena rescue many stray Irish dogs and cats each year and endeavour to find them new and loving homes.  This year Remi has been given much support from other rescue centres in the south of England, resulting in the successful homing of numerous previously unwanted stray Irish dogs.  (ASH Animal Rescue, Cornan, Kiltegan, County Wicklow, Ireland.  www.ashanimalrescue.com)