Millie's Fund
Each year MADRA rescues around 200 puppies across Galway, with the majority being dumped in fields, ditches and pounds as their owners are unable to find them homes.
Every one of these cases takes their toll on us but one that really broke us was the death of 10 week old Millie. She died after being dumped in a crate with her siblings at Ros a Mhíl Pier. The four of them were locked in the crate with bags of food next to it that they couldn’t get access to. Eating stones to survive, little Millie was just too weak after her ordeal to make a recovery.
To prevent more pups suffering like Millie, we have set up a fund in her honour, to neuter dogs across Galway.
Working in partnership with Galway County Council and supported by the Department of Rural and Community Development, we are now offering free neuters for eligible* dogs resident in Galway.
* What dogs are eligible for a free neuter?
Dogs over six months old who are microchipped, licensed and resident in Galway
Collies, Terriers, Lurchers, or an identifiable crossbreed of any of these
If your dog hasn’t been microchipped, this can be done at a subsidised rate of €10 as part of the scheme.
Licences can be purchased at your local post office or online at www.licences.ie. An annual licence costs €20 and a lifetime licence €140.
Applications for other breeds will be considered particularly where they have been rescued or their owners are recipients of social welfare.
Why should I neuter my dog?
No more heat cycles for females. A dog in season can be messy and blood can be produced for several weeks. Heat cycles can occur every six months.
Unspayed females are at risk of uterine diseases and a life-threatening womb infection called pyometra. This can lead to urgent surgery and can have a fatal outcome if not detected in time. These risks increase as your dog gets older.
Spaying prevents the significant costs of dealing with an unexpected litter (feeding, worming, vaccinations, microchipping) or the costs involved if your dog develops pyometra or other infections due to not being spayed.
Removes the risk of unwanted puppies. Assuming zero mortality, in just seven years, a female dog and her offspring could produce 4,000 dogs! Ireland has a serious overpopulation of dogs; there are simply not enough homes for all the dogs being born here.
Spaying reduces the risk of mammary tumours (breast cancer).
Neutering male dogs can prevent testicular cancer and reduce the risk of prostate problems.
Neutering can reduce roaming tendencies, aggression, and undesirable behaviours.
Age, size, breed and timing are important factors when it comes to neutering; always consult with your vet before making any decisions.
BUT ...
Will my dog put on weight?
After neutering your dog’s calorie needs will fall. Being neutered will not directly result in weight gain once food intake is reduced.
Will neutering my dog change their behaviour?
Your dog’s personality will not change, but some unwanted behaviours which may be hormone-fuelled may decrease.
Will my dog still want to work?
A dog’s temperament, training, personality and ability to do “work” are a result of genetics and upbringing, not their hormones.
Shouldn’t my female dog have a litter first before spaying?
There’s no medical or behavioural evidence that suggests that there is any benefit to allowing a dog to have a litter. There is however ample evidence about the risks of pregnancy and labour.
She’s such a lovely dog, wouldn’t it be a waste not to breed her?
There’s no guarantee that her pups will be just like her and for all the reasons explained, it really is better to spay.
If you would prefer a hard copy application form by post, please call 091 509510 or email: milliesfund@GalwayCoCo.ie
*Terms & Conditions apply. Please note an admin fee of €10 per household is payable to help cover the costs of processing.
