North West SPCA is a registered charity based in Ballina but which works throughout Mayo and the northwest area. The organisation is made up of a group of volunteers who give their free time to the care and rescue of sick, abused, and abandoned animals including dogs, cats, horses, donkeys, farm animals, and wildlife.
To help raise much needed funding North West SPCA is organising a Cruffs and Scruffs Dog Show and Summer Fete on Sunday next June 30 from 12 noon to 6pm, with fun for all the family.
In addition to the regular dog classes on the day, there will be novelty classes for best dressed dog, dog with the waggiest tale and the biggest smile, best rescue dog, and more. A dog agility display will be held on the day and owners can have a go with their own dog. Other events include bouncy castles, donkey rides, stalls, live music, barbecue and raffles, etc. The day is guaranteed to have something of interest for everyone. The event will take place at Rehins, Ballina, close to Hotel Ballina (formerly Ramada Hotel ). Entries for dog show from 12 noon on the day and the dog show starts at 2pm sharp.
Due the downturn in the economy in Ireland the organisation is inundated with calls regarding abandoned animals, and it needs to able to continue the valuable work carried out by volunteers in the north west region.
North West SPCA supports a spaying and neutering campaign for both dogs and cats to prevent unwanted litters of pups and kittens. Basically if they are not born they will not be harmed or abandoned.
North West SPCA also supports an education programme with regular visits to schools to raise awareness of animal care and welfare among children and help them to understand the needs of animals in their care and in the community. The running costs are in the region of €130,000 a year, which covers veterinary fees, food, kennelling, and medication, and this funding is obtained primarily from voluntary donations and fundraising events.
