PICTURES: Pets given a second chance by Limerick Animal Welfare look for loving new homes

DO YOU have space in your heart and in your home for one of these dogs, cats, horses, donkeys and even chickens?

Limerick Animal Welfare (LAW) has given these pets a second chance at life and now they are looking for their forever home.

Marion Fitzgibbon, charity director and Marie O’Connor, sanctuary manager in Kilfinane, say 2025 has been another extremely challenging year. 

“LAW experienced an unprecedented increase in the number of abandoned puppies and kittens, alongside rising operational costs and declining donations. Our isolation unit is full of puppies. We have had abandoned and unwanted puppies right through the autumn.

“The situation for the horses is critical.  We get emergency horse calls every day. Many horses and foals are dying from malnutrition and starvation.  LAW is trying to respond to as many calls as possible, but sometimes it is too late to save these unfortunate horses,” said Marion.

Marie said last year saw an unparalleled number of pregnant dogs being abandoned and many unwanted and abandoned puppies.  

“We have also taken in kittens into December. The cost of feeding, worming, vaccinating, microchipping and vet care, until they are ready to be rehomed is huge,” said Marie, who adds that LAW is a charity and relies on donations for the stray and abandoned animals.  

Marion said their financial position continued to cause concern in 2025. 

“Once again our income did not keep pace with our expenditure.  In the circumstances, many projects had to be postponed, including work on the sanctuary clinic.  

“We estimate our total budget for 2026 will be in excess of €1.5m. This is a huge challenge and we are appealing for donations, however small, to help us to keep the sanctuary open,” said Marion. 

“We appreciate the Department of Agriculture’s grant of €120,000 for 2026,” she added.

What drives Marion and Marie is seeing the many heart-warming stories thanks to LAW.  

“The most rewarding part of our work is when we can save an animal and stop its suffering,” said Marion.

Marie says while it is clear that although there is cruelty and neglect, the vast majority of people love their animals and treat them well. 

They both thank their loyal supporters and volunteers.

“We thank the public for their support and donations, the people in work taking time out of their busy schedules to do fundraisers for LAW in their companies. 

“It was great to see the Santa Paws event in Wickham Way in December so well attended.  

“Many thanks to our wonderful staff for their commitment and care for all the sanctuary’s animals. We would also like to thank Bruff gardai,” said Marie.

If you would like to rehome any of these pets please email limerickanimalwelfareadoptions@gmail.com or ring 063 91110 to find out more about the process and change an animal's life.

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