USPCA reports huge rise in number of abandoned dogs coming into its centre
A senior USPCA figure says the number of stray and abandoned dogs coming into its centre is 72% higher than this time last year.
The shock stats come as a report last weekend detailed how a dog was found weighted down in water in the Moy area.
Siobhan McHaffie's the Director of Operations and Development at the USPCA.
“The rise in abandonment and neglect of dogs is hugely concerning, and the levels of neglect we are seeing
in unwanted dogs coming into our care is unprecedented. We have seen the number of stray dogs brought into our care almost double compared to last year, with last month seeing the highest number of strays ever brought into our Centre."
She also said how the trend is constant at the moment:
"In the past week alone, our team have dealt with two serious and distressing cases of neglect in abandoned dogs. Both dogs are now getting the vet treatment, care and attention they deserve.
"We would urge members of the public to help by reporting cases of dog abandonment and neglect to their local council. Cases of cruelty should be reported to the PSNI.
"In extreme cases of cruelty and neglect you can also notify the USPCA, and we in turn can follow up with the relevant authorities.”
The USPCA also believes a part of the reason for the upsurge of cases are complex, but are connected with economic hardship and housing instability.
Siobhan McHaffie said: "The strain on resources within communities and limited access to affordable veterinary care further exacerbate the challenges faced by pet owners, often leading to difficult decisions and unfortunate outcomes for innocent animals.
"However, they conclude that in some of the most recent cases coming into the Centre, there can be no justification for the state of neglect seen in these animals."