MADRA has published  the findings from its second national census on homeless dogs. 

Conducted in partnership with Galway County Council and the Department of Rural and Community Development, the census reveals that 2,924 dogs are currently housed in just over 120 rescue organisations and pounds throughout Ireland. 

This snapshot of the sector coupled with the responses of the participants shows that the system is operating at maximum capacity. The exact number of the hundreds, and possibly thousands, of dogs waiting to enter the system remains unquantifiable, and the pressure on the rescues and pounds is unrelenting. 

Several factors contribute to the levels of homelessness:

• Following the pandemic, a surge in dog surrenders and abandonments persists. Many dogs, now left alone for long periods, develop behavioural issues that overwhelmed owners feel ill-equipped to handle.
• Ireland’s housing and cost-of-living crisis has only worsened the situation, with more families struggling to care for their pets. Rescues have also reported an increase in dogs being abandoned due to expensive and complex medical needs.
• Puppy farming and back-yard breeding still plays a significant role, flooding the market with poorly bred dogs who often suffer from health and behavioural problems, leading to higher rates of abandonment.
• Additionally, carelessness and refusal to spay female dogs contributes to a huge amount of unwanted litters, particularly those of collies and lurchers.

Being at maximum capacity constantly is unfortunately the sad reality for all the shelters and pounds that took part in the Census. Participants shared their frustration and exhaustion from trying to deal with the never-ending surrender requests and the constant pressure of making difficult decisions every day on which dog gets the next space that opens up.

MADRA is urging the public to help by:

• Opting to Adopt – open your home to a dog in need and provide a second chance for a homeless animal.
• Spay and Neuter – promote responsible pet ownership by ensuring your pets are neutered to help control the population of homeless dogs.
• Consider the Commitment – before adopting or buying a dog, think about the lifelong responsibility it entails. Education and careful planning can prevent many future surrenders.

Join MADRA Dog Rescue on World Animal Day in advocating for Ireland’s homeless dogs. Let’s work together to ensure these voiceless animals have a brighter, more hopeful future.