In the last year, MADRA have rescued over 200 puppies across Galway, with the majority being dumped in fields, ditches and pounds as their owners are unable to find them homes. Some of these pups were as young as four weeks old, and our constant question when we find them is “Where is the mother?” What’s happened to her? Is she grieving somewhere, wondering where her babies are? Will she be spayed so that she doesn’t have to endure another litter of unwanted puppies?

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 spay female dogs across Galway.  We have pledged our entire Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and the Marine grant of €28,781 to the campaign.

Working in partnership with Galway County Council, we are now offering free spays for eligible* female dogs resident in Galway.