Largest canine rescue in the history of the State

The largest canine rescue in the history of the State has taken place at rural farm location on the Leitrim-Cavan border where more than 140 dogs were recovered. The Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ISPCA) has said the animals were discovered living in "deplorable conditions" at the property in near Ballinaglera almost a month ago. The recent rescue of the dogs required the the co-operation of three other organisations- Leitrim Animal Welfare, Dogs Trust and County Veterinary Offices, and among the breeds found were Bichon Frise crosses, King Charles Cavaliers and Shih Tzus, ranging in age from puppies right through to mature dogs. The majority of the dogs found were heavily matted and were suffering from skin, eye and teeth problems. One dog had to have an eye removed while the ISPCA was forced to put another animal to sleep The female owner of the animals has been described by the ISPCA as being "a dog hoarder", or someone who keeps and breeds dog without re-homing or having the necessary space, funding or ability to care for the animals. The ISPCA say the women had been attempting to make efforts to feed the animals but the situation had "spiralled out of control" due to "the sheer number of animals". Leitrim County Veterinary Officer James Madden is quoted as saying the woman was breeding some of the animals, but it appears as though she had been taking in abandoned animals at the property also.