Welcome boost for Clare animal welfare groups

A TOTAL of €18,500 has been allocated to animal welfare and rescue organisations in Clare by the Department of Agriculture.

The lion’s share went to Burren Animal Rescue who secured €12,000. The Tubber-based organisation offers a sanctuary for animals and rehomes horses, donkeys and pigs. It also offers a ‘virtual adoption’ service, whereby an animal can remain at the sanctuary and have its costs covered by a sponsor.

In the latest funding allocation, An Cat Dubh Sanctuary in Mullagh was awarded €4,500. The organisation caters primary for cats, but is also home to some feline-friendly dogs, donkeys and hens. It provides a rehoming service as well as Trap, Neuter and Return/Release (TNR) service for feral cats.

Clare Animal Welfare, meanwhile, received €2,000. The Feakle-based organisation provides a rehoming service for dogs and promotes neutering and general education on the care of dogs.

Nationally, a total of €3.2m was awarded to 101 organisations.

Minister Charlie McConalogue paid to everyone involved in animal welfare organisations. “We are particularly fortunate in Ireland to have a strong, active voluntary sector dedicated to animal welfare,” he said. “The staff and volunteers from the organisations in receipt of … funding in every county across Ireland show incredible commitment to protecting and caring for surrendered, abandoned and at-risk animals.”