Galway charity forced to close after record level of abandoned dogs

Galway dog rescue charity MADRA has been forced to close its doors for the month of November, after the number of stray and unwanted dogs across the county reached an all-time high.

Throughout the month of October, the charity received over sixty enquiries from members of the public looking for assistance with re-homing their pet dogs.

During the same period, 71 dogs were rescued from local authority pounds in counties Galway and Mayo after being found straying or being surrendered by their owners.

With a limited kennel capacity, the rescue has had to resort to finding foster homes and paying for external boarding kennels but sadly with limited resources and available kennel space at a minimum the fate of the dogs waiting in the local authority pounds this month is unclear.

“We always find November and December to be particularly difficult months, but this year October has left us feeling extremely disheartened,” explained MADRA Chairperson Edel Comerford.

“Not only do we have to face the prospect of not being able to empty the pounds this month, we also feel like things are getting worse in spite of repeated attempts to educate people about responsible dog ownership.

“We tracked enquiries received from the general public and we were shocked by the number of calls, texts and e-mails. Some of the stories would break your heart; like the dog that was left behind when his owner had to go into a nursing home,” she added.

If you are interested in adopting or fostering a dog from MADRA please text 086 8149026 or email madradogrescue@gmail.com

See full story in this week’s Connacht Tribune.