Pheobe has a future thanks to Northwest SPCA

CHAINED in a deep drain with no chance of escape, 'Pheobe' is one of the lucky animals most recently rescued by the Northwest Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

Each year the group rescue and re-home on averaged 800 to 900 cats and dogs.

NWSPCA was set up 15 years ago by a small group of ladies based in Ballina to cover the northwest, but over the years case loads have increased to such an extent that they are now covering most of the county.

Pheobe is one such case. She was recently discovered in Castlebar by a kind lady, Deirdre, and her daughter Abby while out walking. She was chained in a deep drain with no chance of escape - undoubtedly left to die.

Fortunately, a Castlebar-based volunteer was able to free her and she is currently in vet care, coming on slowly and, according to the vet, is a sweet, gentle dog.

A spokesperson explained: “Unfortunately, she is only one of the many cases that we see.

“We rescue and re-home an average of 800 to 900 dogs and cats a year. Most of our costs go towards veterinary bills. Last year alone we paid €150,000 on veterinary costs.

“We are a totally voluntary group and any monies we receive go directly towards the care and welfare of the animals. Our filed accounts can be viewed on our website.”

The NWSPCA have two charity shops - one at Pearse Street in Ballina and the second at Linenhall Street in Castlebar, which are run completely by volunteers who give freely of their time. Without their generosity and the generosity of the public the organisation would not survive.

They need your help, as the spokesperson explained: “We are appealing for volunteers to join us, male or female. If you are interested in getting involved with us you can text your name, the area you are from, and what you are interested in to either of the numbers listed below and we will get back to you as soon as possible.”

There's lots you can do to help:

1. Volunteering in the charity shop.

2. Fostering dogs or cats.

3.Transporting animals to vets, etc.

4. Fundraising, e.g. flag days, bag packing events, etc. The NWSPCA are currently in the process of organising a sponsored dog walk in Castlebar.

5. Collecting donations for the shops when the need arises.

6. Donate.

Please text (087) 2933371 or (087) 9587860.