Huge increase in puppies being born in care, as charity sounds alarm

Dogs Trust, Ireland’s largest dog welfare charity, is highlighting the volume of mums and pups in their care.

The charity has seen a 45% increase in puppies born in their care. They have taken in seven dogs since January 2024, who have given birth to 58 puppies - a 45% increase on the same period in 2023.

The charity regularly takes in pregnant dogs and those who have recently given birth, from dog pounds and other animal welfare organisations. Last year, the charity cared for 637 mums and puppies, 139 of whom were born in their centre.

The dogs often arrive in upsetting condition, needing urgent veterinary treatment. Sadhbh, a three-year-old Spaniel crossbreed, was one of three mums seized by a local authority Dog Warden in Dublin, due to the abhorrent conditions they were being kept in. 

Upon veterinary examination, Sadhbh and her two weak and underweight puppies were found to be covered in fleas and sadly, only one of the pups was strong enough to survive. Sadhbh also had skin and eye issues, but despite all this, was an incredibly sweet and friendly dog.

Ciara Murran, head of communications at Dogs Trust Ireland said: “Such a huge amount of work goes into caring for dogs like this, especially young puppies as they are so fragile and often come from mums who haven’t been vaccinated, leaving them very susceptible to potentially fatal viruses.

“They require constant monitoring, cleaning and of course, lots of love, affection and reassurance from our team. As a charity that receives no government funding, we rely solely on the generosity of our supporters and are appealing for people to consider donating to us this Mother’s Day, so we can continue to save pregnant dogs and their puppies.”

Thankfully, Sadhbh’s story has a fairytale ending as she was recently adopted.

Bella, a 10-year-old Pitbull crossbreed, was also found in dreadful condition like Sadhbh.

She was found in an abandoned house in Tipperary in 2019, with an adult male dog who had been left chained to a radiator. Bella, the male and their two puppies were nursed back to health in the care of Dogs Trust and were subsequently adopted.

With 238 dogs to care for, Dogs Trust is appealing to the public to consider donating to them so they can save the next dog who desperately needs their help.