Huge increase in number of pets rehomed in County Roscommon
People are being urged to “stop and think” this Christmas before buying a pet as the number of dogs and cats rehomed in the county has almost doubled since last year.
According to Roscommon SPCA, a total of 368 dogs and cats were found new homes this year, almost double the 190 pets that were rehomed in 2022.
The 2023 figure comprises 242 cats and 126 dogs while last year’s number was made up of 145 cats and 55 dogs.
The huge spike in unwanted pets has led to mounting pressures for local Roscommon SPCA volunteers. “This year we operated a waiting list, which we never had do any other year,” explained Breda McDermott, Director of Roscommon SPCA (Society for the prevention of cruelty to animals).
“We don’t have any premises of our own so we use accredited private kennels. Even if we had space for a hundred in the morning, it would be full. These kennels do amazing work for us, not only do they kennel our dogs, they also rehabilitate them.” Ms McDermott pointed to Covid as a major factor in the rise in the number of pets needing new homes. “Puppy breeding boomed during Covid and it nearly became the norm to get a pup. We’re getting in expensive breeds like Labradors, Shih Tsu, Cockapoos…we wouldn’t have got those pre-Covid.”
Despite the growing number of people giving up their pets, Roscommon SPCA regularly deals with a lot of animals that are strays, found abandoned and injured, and in some cases, are victims of unscrupulous breeders.
“If some people think they won’t get them sold for Christmas, they’ll just dump them. Recently, four little Daschund pups were found dumped on wasteland near Roscommon Town. Only for workmen found them, they would have died that night, it was so cold. Thankfully, they have now gone on to amazing homes.”
Roscommon SPCA is appealing to people to “stop and think” before they get a pet. “Sometimes, people don’t think it through and that it is a long-term commitment. A kitten is a 16 to 18 year commitment, and a pup is a 20 year commitment. If you require any help or guidance, you can reach out to Roscommon SPCA on 087 0505594,” said Ms McDermott.
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Roscommon SPCA is advising anyone thinking of buying a pet for Christmas to do some research and planning.
Breda McDermott, Director of Roscommon SPCA emphasised that a pet is a long-term responsibility that requires time, money and care.
“Do your homework in advance. A kitten is a 16 to 18 years commitment, and a pup is a 20 years commitment,” she said.
Breda outlines aadvice to consider before “you bring a furry friend into your home”:
*Talk to your family members and make sure everyone agrees on getting a pet. Think about the best time to get a pet, considering your work, school and travel plans.
*Check your budget and see if you can afford a pet. You will need to pay for micro-chipping and licensing, which are legal requirements for dogs. You will also need to pay for vaccinations, flea, tick and worm treatments, spaying or neutering, food, bedding, toys and other supplies. If you go on holidays, you will need to pay for someone to look after your pet or for a kennel service. The average cost of having a pet pup / dog in the first year can be around €2000, depending on the size and breed of the animal.
*Choose a pet that suits your lifestyle and living space. You will need to provide enough room, exercise and attention for your pet. Some pets may not be suitable for small apartments or busy schedules. If you get a puppy, you will need to be at home most of the time to train and socialise them properly. You will also need to walk your dog every day, no matter the weather.
*Teach your children how to treat your pet with respect and kindness. Pets are not toys or accessories; they are living beings that have feelings and needs. Children should learn how to handle, feed and play with their pets safely and gently.
*Have a backup plan for your pet in case you get sick or have an emergency. You should have someone you trust who can take care of your pet if you are unable to do so. You should also have your pet's medical records and contact details of your vet handy.
Breda said that getting a pet can be a wonderful experience that brings joy and companionship to your life. “However, it is also a serious commitment that requires careful thought and preparation. Make sure you are ready for the responsibility before you adopt a furry friend.
“Another important consideration for pet owners is to have pet insurance. This can protect you from paying high veterinary bills if your pet gets injured or sick. Pet insurance can cover various treatments and procedures, depending on the plan you choose,” she said.
Cats are wonderful pets that can enrich your life. But before you adopt a cat or a kitten, you should consider some important factors:
You will need to acquire some essential items for your cat, such as food, litter box, toys, and more. These will help your cat adjust and feel at home.
Your cat will need a safe space where it can rest and retreat if it feels anxious or stressed. This could be a cupboard, a spot in your bedroom, or a bathroom that you rarely use. Make sure your cat can access this space whenever it wants.
Cats are inquisitive and playful animals, but they can also encounter danger or harm if they find unsafe or harmful things in your home. You should remove or secure anything that could injure your cat or ruin your property.
Cats have different personalities and needs, and some may match your lifestyle better than others. For example, kittens are very active and need a lot of attention, training, and feeding. If you don't have enough time or patience for that, you may want to adopt an adult cat instead.
Adult cats are usually more serene and independent than kittens. They may also have fewer health problems and behavioural issues. However, kittens can be more flexible and bond more easily with their owners. You should evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of each option before making a decision.
Cats have five welfare needs that you must fulfil to ensure their well-being – health, behaviour, companionship, diet, and environment. You should learn more about how to offer the best care for your cat in these areas.
Adopting a cat is a big decision and responsibility, but it can also be very satisfying and fun. If you prepare well and take good care of your cat, you will have a faithful and affectionate companion for life.
Roscommon SPCA also collaborates with Roscommon dog shelter to provide medical care and foster homes for dogs and puppies that need them. “We help them find loving and permanent homes through our re-homing programme. We also assist and advise people who want to re-home their pets for any reason,” explains Breda.
She points out that Roscommon SPCA does not own any facilities for cats or dogs, so it depend on the generosity and kindness of our foster volunteers and private kennels.
“We also receive a small amount of funding from the DAFM every year, but this is not enough to cover all our expenses.
“We also receive a grant from the Marchig Animal Welfare Trust to help with the neutering programme for cats. Therefore, we are always fundraising and seeking donations from our supporters and followers. We are very thankful to everyone who supports us and helps us make a difference for the animals in our community”, she said.
Roscommon SPCA said it is grateful to all our volunteers who contribute to our work with cats and kittens, whether it is fostering, fundraising, or transporting them.
“You are the core of Roscommon SPCA and we appreciate your support immensely. We could not carry on without you. If you require any help or guidance, you can reach out to Roscommon SPCA on 087 0505594,” said Breda.
Roscommon SPCA CLG is a non-profit organisation is run completely by volunteers who dedicate their time to help animals in need in Co Roscommon.
“All the funds we raise go directly to animal care. It offers low-cost spaying and neutering services for cats, regardless of the owners' financial situation. The cost is only €10 per cat.
“If you are looking for information about animal welfare, adoption, volunteering, or donations, you might want to check out our blog on our website. Our blog is a useful place for information where we share news, stories, tips, and updates about our work and our furry friends. Blog – Roscommon SPCA is more than just a blog, it's a community of animal lovers who care about making a difference,” said Breda.
Check out the Roscommon SPCA website for more information on donations and fundraising. www.roscommonispca.ie
