Four local animal care and welfare organisations have been awarded funding towards their services for 2014.
Under a new round of Government funding announced this week, Athlone Animal Welfare is to receive €4,800; Athlone and Westmeath SPCA is to receive €4,200; Moate and North Midlands Dog Rescue €6,000; and Roscommon SPCA €14,000.
The local beneficiaries are among 136 organisations involved in animal care and welfare services throughout the country which are to benefit from a total of €1.8 million of funding announced by Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Simon Coveney this week.
The level of funding being provided to these organisations has increased for the third year in a row, reflecting the importance of the work of these organisations and the overall welfare of animals. The payments will be made with immediate effect.
The Minister said 2013 had been a challenging and demanding year for animal welfare organisations but praised the fantastic work being carried out.
“I am pleased to be able to provide support to these organisations by way of a grant to assist in their very important work and care of animals,” said Minister Coveney.
“My department has worked very closely with welfare organisations, local authorities, and the Gardaí to intervene in cases of animal neglect or cruelty and we will continue to do so. It is not acceptable that there are instances where animals gifted at Christmas time, for example, are frequently abandoned by their new owners... The work of animal welfare organisations continues to play a very important role in protecting Ireland’s reputation as an animal caring nation.”
The Minister also reiterated the need for animal welfare bodies to adhere to good practice. An updated code of practice is being provided to every recipient of aid to assist them in achieving high standards of animal welfare.
