Amid soaring demand for its services in 2024, Assisi Animal Sanctuary has issued an urgent appeal this Christmas.
The shelter, which cares for unwanted dogs, cats, and small animals, has been operating at full capacity throughout the year, with a growing waiting list for incoming animals.
Speaking to The Irish News Anna Morton, Fundraising and Communications Manager urged the public to reconsider gifting pets this Christmas.
“Pets are a lifetime commitment, requiring time, money, and care,” she stressed.
“If you’re unsure, volunteer at the shelter to see the responsibility firsthand. Pets aren’t just for Christmas.
“We have been operating at capacity and the waiting list for animals coming into the shelter is also the highest it has ever been. Our sanctuary can accommodate 40 dogs, 50 cats, and small animals, but it’s been one out, one in, especially with dogs.”
She noted the significant shift since the Covid-19 pandemic, where high demand for pets has reversed, leaving many animals surrendered due to financial and housing pressures.
“A big one we have witnessed is that more people are struggling to get on the property ladder so they have to rent, often from a landlord that doesn’t allow pets so they reluctantly surrender their companion.
“It’s a difficult situation to have to choose between a roof over your head or your pet. We continue to push for legislation to align with England and Wales, where landlords need a reasonable justification to refuse pets.”
The charity takes in a mix of stray dogs, welfare cases where the animal is not being properly looked after and pets surrendered to them by their owners.
“My advice to anyone getting a pet this Christmas is not to,” she said. “They are living, breathing, feeling beings and this should be a lifetime commitment that is thought through. It is not a decision to be taken lightly.
“The last thing we want to see is an animal we have put a lot of energy into training rehomed only to be returned three weeks later. Not only does it mean we have to start all over with the process but the animals don’t understand why they’re back and deserve better.
“We are always looking for volunteers to help at the shelter and it can be a real eye-opener. It’s not just beach walks and cuddles it’s vet visits, cleaning, feeding, training and so much more.
“We are open 365 days a year, just like being a pet owner is a job 365 days a year. Dogs can live to 15 years old on average, and cats up to 20 years, so that is what we ask people to think about when we say a pet is not just for Christmas.
“When an animal comes to us some stay weeks, some months before they are rehomed, and others can be here for years.”
Two dogs in particular, Storm and Tana, have been in the shelter for four years - almost 1,500 days.
“We would love to find every one of our animals their forever homes, but I would urge people to wait until the festivities are over so they can think about their decision.”
The charity has an amazon wishlist for those wanting to donate.
