Urgent Rescue: 14 Dogs Transferred After Donegal ISPCA Closure

UPDATE: In a developing situation, 14 dogs rescued from horrific living conditions in West Donegal have been urgently transferred to the ISPCA National Animal Centre in Longford, following the abrupt closure of the local ISPCA centre in Ballyare. The closure, which occurred earlier this month, has left a significant void in animal care services, with officials warning of a “crisis situation” for vulnerable animals.

The dogs were discovered on September 19, 2023, by authorities who reported their shocking living conditions. They were immediately seized due to their need for veterinary care. Councillor Noel Jordan expressed deep concern during a Donegal County Council meeting, stating that the closure has severely impacted the community’s ability to provide immediate shelter for these animals.

“The closure of the Ballyare centre, without public consultation, undermines the public trust and erases a vital legacy,” Cllr Jordan stated. He emphasized that the facility was established in 2018 through local fundraising and community support, intended to serve as a permanent safeguard for Donegal’s animals.

As the crisis unfolds, overburdened volunteer groups in Donegal were contacted to offer temporary shelter for the rescued dogs. Due to the lack of immediate solutions, the dogs were kept in veterinary care before being transported to Longford, a journey of over two and a half hours. “Those dogs should have gone straight to the rehabilitation centre that was built for these cases,” Cllr Jordan added, highlighting the inadequacy of their current situation.

A second protest by the community took place at the former ISPCA centre on Sunday, further illustrating the rising tensions surrounding animal welfare in the area. Cllr Jordan has called for urgent action, urging Donegal County Council to engage with the ISPCA and the Department of Agriculture to explore options for smaller pet rescue centres that are struggling under increased pressure.

In response to the crisis, Donegal County Council plans to write to the ISPCA for clarity on their future plans for the Ballyare centre. Cllr Jordan has stressed the necessity of reinstating the facility’s operations or supporting a transition back to management by the Donegal SPCA. “We ask that this council show leadership,” he implored.

The ISPCA has historically collaborated with Donegal County Council to fulfill its statutory responsibilities under the Control of Dogs Act 1986. However, in July 2023, the ISPCA formally announced its withdrawal from the Donegal Dog Warden Service, effective from 2026, prompting ongoing discussions aimed at ensuring a smooth transition of services.

As the community rallies for the future of animal welfare in Donegal, the plight of the 14 rescued dogs serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for effective animal care solutions. With growing public concern and advocacy, all eyes will be on the actions taken by local authorities in the coming weeks.

This is a developing story. Stay tuned for updates on this urgent situation affecting vulnerable animals in Donegal.