Funding boost for Mayo animal welfare groups
FIVE Mayo-based animal welfare organisations have been awarded funding from the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, under the Ex-gratia Funding Payments.
Welcoming the news Senator Michelle Mulherin said: “I am delighted funding totalling €60,000 has been allocated to a number of Mayo-based animal welfare organisations.
“The successful organisations are the Mayo Animal Welfare, Westport, which has been awarded €5,000, Mayo SPCA, Ballyhaunis, which has been awarded €5,000, North Mayo Horse Sanctuary, Killala Road, Ballina, which has been awarded €4,000, North West SPCA Limited, Ballina, which has been awarded €36,000 and Ainmhithe Animal Rescue, Ballina, which has been awarded €10,000.
“These are the foremost West of Ireland-based organisations delivering animal care and welfare services and their importance is recognised by today’s decision.
“Organisations involved in the care of unwanted and neglected animals find themselves under huge financial pressure.
“There are substantial costs associated with the care and welfare of animals and there is always a need for funds to pay for food and shelter as well as veterinary fees and for the rescue and collection of animals, which has to be done night or day. In addition to rescuing and caring for neglected animals, they run valuable initiatives, such as the neutering of cats and dogs, which helps to reduce the number of unwanted animals.
“I know the pressure that these organisations are under and that help is needed in sourcing funds from the Department and I was only too happy to meet and persuade Minister Coveney of the merits of the applications.”
“All of the successful organisations have exemplary records in their field and work well with Mayo County Council and the Gardai.
“Unfortunately, cases involving cruelty or neglect of animals are all too prevalent and it is a credit to all those who are involved with these organisations that when cases are discovered, they respond swiftly and compassionately.
“I am sure that animal lovers across the county, myself included, are heartened by this good news in the run up to Christmas and I am grateful to everyone involved in the running of these organisations for the services that they provide.”