Canine do attitude: Limerick Animal Welfare moves heaven and earth for pets

EVERY day in Limerick Animal Welfare can be either heart-warming or heartbreaking.

The charity rescues and rehomes dogs, cats, horses, rabbits and many other animals. They have a no-kill policy so the animals remain in their care in their Kilfinane sanctuary until they find the right homes for them.

And it is a sanctuary as many of the pets have been horrifically mistreated before being nursed back to health. They learn to trust humans again thanks to the kindness of Limerick Animal Welfare (LAW) staff and volunteers. All the dogs and cats pictured on page 4 and 5 in this appeal are looking for their forever homes.

Marie O’Connor, sanctuary manager, said the demand for their services continues to increase annually.

“The biggest challenge we faced during the year was the long summer heat wave. As a result, the mares and foals suffered from shortage of grazing and lack of necessary water for survival.

“We had many emergency calls for foals down and many were dying. In the circumstances, we had to take in several extra foals and these now need additional shelter for the winter months,” said Marie.

Their financial position continues to cause concern.

“Our income is showing a small increase this year but our expenditure has also risen. Veterinary costs have increased dramatically. This is due to the increased intake of all animals and the high cost of veterinary care and medicines. We have also experienced a big increase in badly injured animals needing surgery.

“Over the past year we have experienced recurrent outbreaks of parvo virus in the isolation kennels. This is due to the fact that it is no longer possible to buy vaccinations over the counter in a pharmacy. As a result, the cost of vaccinations escalated and people neglected to vaccinate their dogs and cats. All pups are at risk if not fully vaccinated,” stressed Marie.

The cruelty of a minority of people knows no bounds but it is defeated by the gentleness of staff. There are countless examples.

“One of our latest arrivals at the sanctuary is a six-week-old puppy found dumped in a garden in the city. Her two siblings had died. It is a miracle that she survived and is doing well. The staff have named her Fifi,” said Marie.

At the beginning of December puppies were thrown out like rubbish.

“A lady was passing a council rubbish truck in the city and heard puppies crying from inside the truck. The brave lady alerted the driver and then she climbed into the truck and saved the three puppies from a cruel death. The puppies were rushed to the vets and warmed up. The vet estimated their age as two days old at the most. One poor pup had an ear missing from the ordeal,” said Marie, who is not sure if the ear was cut off prior to being thrown in the rubbish or when in the truck.

LAW were called into help and staff bottle fed the puppies around the clock but sadly, two were so weak they did not survive. The puppy with the missing ear, named Vincent, is thriving and staff are hopeful for him.

Some Lurchers are very mistreated and come to the sanctuary injured, traumatised, starved and neglected, said Marie.

“Rehoming for these dogs has been challenging but we have seen some excellent homes coming forward for them. Philip, a Deerhound lurcher, went to live in Dingle with an artist. Philip loved water and always lay in the paddling pool at the sanctuary, so going to live by the sea, with daily walks on the beach is like heaven for Philip.

“Oisin, another hairy lurcher was found with a horrific injury to his leg which required a huge skin graft and weeks of recovery at the veterinary clinic CVC. Vet, Mike Canty did an amazing job and the public raised funds to cover his treatment, the cost of which was over €5,000. Oisin is now living happily as a companion pet in Cork.

“Roxy, a beautiful female lurcher is currently in CVC after being knocked down by a car. The driver of the car did not even stop. Roxy suffered a broken pelvis, a broken jaw, a dislocated shoulder, a broken wrist and two large open wounds. Roxy has remained in CVC, getting the intensive care she needs. LAW are appealing for funds to pay for Roxy’s treatment as Roxy will need an operation on her wrist once the open wounds have healed,” said Marie.

It isn’t just dogs, cats and horses they help.

“Staff at the sanctuary get calls for help and they can range from a stranded or injured swan to a rescuing a llama from the inner city to a cow stuck in a dyke. LAW mans the phone in the evenings and are always there for an emergency.”

The magnitude of what they do is shown by the fact that LAW took in over 450 dogs and 250 cats in 2018. They also help people to neuter and vaccinate their animals. They provide shelter for 22 horses and ponies and pay a vet to treat injured equines that are abandoned in the city and county. During the winter months they provide hay to starving horses. Goats and rabbits are also cared for.

To assist their efforts in 2019 and in the future, the sanctuary is in urgent need of a new van.

“Our present vehicle must be replaced as it cannot keep going any longer. We are on the road every day and out in all weather.

“We also have to provide extra shelter for the many foals and ponies which have arrived at the sanctuary during the last three months. The cost of three new shelters is estimated at €24,000. Once again we are appealing for funds to enable us to continue our work saving the animals in need of help.”

To help them, Marie appeals to everyone to make sure their dog has a secure collar and identity tag and that the dogs wear this all the time.

“If possible get your pet microchipped. This can cost €15 or €20 but is very important. As weather patterns are changing please ensure your pet is inside and safe when storms are forecast.

“We would also like to appeal to the Department of Agriculture to enforce the microchipping legislation for equines. It is never possible to identify the owner of an abused and neglected horse. The cruelty and neglect of horses continues unabated as nobody can be held accountable.”

Marie says a “huge thank you” to her staff and all their loyal volunteers and supporters.

“Without your help we could not keep the sanctuary open,” she said. To adopt a pet contact LAW on 087 6371044.