Irish charity urge public to adopt 23 XL Bully dogs 'before it's too late ...

THE ISPCA have issued an urgent appeal to the public for support as their animal welfare centres across the country near capacity.

The charity have told how they need €250,000 to address the escalating rehoming crisis and issued a special plea to the public to consider adopting an XL Bully "before it's too late".

The ISPCA is seeking to raise cash to cover the demand on services for animals who are staying in shelters "longer than anticipated" due to a significant decrease in rehoming rates since 2023.

It currently has 100 extra animals in their care, resulting in an additional daily cost of €10 per animal which could set the organisation back up to €365,000 a year.

The main animal protection charity in Ireland has asked anyone considering bringing a new addition into their home to adopt a furry friend from one of their shelters or donate to help with costs.

And the ISPCA issued a special plea surrounding the 23 XL Bullies currently under its care.

An XL bully dog is the largest of the American Bully Breed and is usually a mix of a number of breeds - including an American pit bull terrier.

The charity told how they are "particularly concerned" for the XL Bully dog's welfare as a ban on the breed looms in just a few weeks time.

The ISPCA said: "With new legislation coming into effect on 1st October 2024, these animals will no longer be eligible for adoption.

"The ISPCA is making a heartfelt plea to the public to consider giving these dogs a chance at a loving home before it's too late."

The Irish Government said the ban, which will take effect in two phases beginning on October 1, is in the interest of public safety following a number of "horrific" attacks by XL Bullies.

The first phase of the ban begins on October 1, 2024, when it will become illegal to import, breed or re-sell XL Bullies.

Then on February 1, 2025, owning an XL Bully in Ireland will be illegal.

The ISPCA told how their Emergency Appeal in 2023 raised over €400,000, which was "critical" in allowing the charity to provide care and accommodation for animals in urgent need, including the establishment of temporary shelters.

However, with rehoming times nearly doubling from an average of six weeks in 2023 to twelve weeks in 2024, the financial strain on the ISPCA's resources has "intensified".

Appealing to the public, ISPCA CEO Dr Cyril Sullivan said: "The public’s response to our last Emergency Appeal was overwhelming, and we are deeply grateful.

"We are asking again for your support; we are once again at a critical juncture.

"The need for rehoming has never been greater, and whether through adoption or donation, every action counts.

"Our goal is to find loving, long-term homes for all the animals in our care, but we can’t do it without your help and with 340 animals in our care we need to ensure they are all looked after."

HOW CAN I HELP?

SO far in 2024, the ISPCA has rescued 694 animals from neglect and abuse.

It currently has over 340 animals in its care looking for home.

This has led to shelters being at capacity for extended periods, significantly increasing costs.

You can help by either donating money or adopting an animal.

Donating can be done online on the ISPCA website here. Financial support is "crucial" to the ISPCA to main their rescue options.

The charity said: "Every donation, large or small, directly impacts the lives of the animals in our care."

Adopting an animal from the ISPCA is the perfect choice for anyone who is already considering adding a new member to their family. You can find all of the animals looking for a new home on the ISPCA website here.

The ISPCA said: "Consider adopting from our shelters and giving a vulnerable animal a second chance at life."

ISPCA Chief Inspector Conor Dowling said the charity is "really struggling" to find new owners to adopt some of their wonderful pets.

He said: "A reality of life is that it can be costly to keep these animals in our care for a long period of time.

"It costs approximately an extra €10 a day to shelter an animal, that includes bedding, food, veterinary bills and so many other additional needs.

"Our Animal Welfare Inspectors on the road want to help and by finding homes for these pets makes space to rescue even more animals in need.

"Without immediate support from the public—either through adoption or donations—we simply won’t be able to continue providing the level of care these animals deserve.’’