Over €130,000 in Funding Granted to Louth Animal Charities to Support Essential Welfare Efforts
Ardee News and Sport – Three animal welfare charities in Louth have received a substantial funding boost, as Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Charlie McConalogue, announced grants totaling over €130,000 for the region. This funding is part of a nationwide €6 million allocation distributed to 101 animal charities across Ireland, supporting their mission to protect, rescue, and care for animals in need.
The Louth recipients include:
• Drogheda Animal Rescue – €51,563
• Dundalk Dog Rescue – €29,950
• Louth SPCA – €50,350
In neighboring Meath, an additional €57,000 in funding was awarded to five charities, bringing the combined total for Louth and Meath animal welfare efforts to over €187,000.
Minister McConalogue praised the critical work done by these charities, stating, “Animals are much-loved companions for so many of us in Ireland, and the welfare of animals is a priority for me and for my Department. I am delighted to maintain the highest ever level of funding by my Department to animal welfare charities. These grants will support the organisations in the vital work they do across the country, protecting, rescuing, and taking care of animals, and providing education and guidance so as to prevent welfare problems from arising in the future.”
This funding reflects the Department’s continued commitment to the welfare of animals, rewarding charities that excel in rehoming, promoting awareness, and launching responsible pet ownership initiatives. The Minister acknowledged the additional challenges faced by charities in recent years, thanking their dedicated volunteers and staff for their hard work.
Animal welfare groups have seen a surge in demand, often stretched beyond capacity with the rise in abandoned pets and financial constraints due to the rising cost of living. Minister McConalogue emphasized the importance of responsible pet ownership, which helps reduce the pressure on shelters by encouraging sustainable pet care and reducing the number of abandoned animals.
With the Christmas season approaching, the Minister reminded the public to consider the long-term responsibilities and financial commitments involved in pet ownership. As charities prepare for the anticipated holiday surge in animal adoptions, he urged people to think carefully before bringing a new pet into their home.
For animal welfare groups in Louth and nationwide, this funding provides essential support to sustain their work through challenging times, as they continue to advocate for Ireland’s vulnerable animals and work towards a future where animal welfare is a priority.