A cat and her three kittens were dumped at the entrance to an animal charity over the weekend.
It comes as the Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ISPCA) launches its SpayAware campaign this week to encourage pet owners to get their cats and dogs neutered or spayed
A Staff member at the ISPCA found them at the gate of the charity’s National Animal Centre in Longford on Saturday morning.
They were left in an old printer box when found and they have already been named by staff as Evan, Bronte and Jasper.
Eva Ellis, ISPCA Centre Manager said: “The mother was scared and ran away leaving her two to three week old kittens alone so she had to be trapped and reunited. The stress placed on these innocent animals was totally avoidable.
“The cat and kittens are doing well at the ISPCA National Animal Centre and will be spayed/neutered when of age and re-homed when old enough.”
Comedian PJ Gallagher is supporting the annual SpayAware appeal calling on all pet owners to play their part in ending Ireland’s toll of unwanted cats and dogs.
The Naked Camera star is highlighting the message that with thousands of unwanted cats and dogs ending up in animal shelters every year, Ireland’s pet overpopulation crisis is no joke.
ISPCA Chief Executive Officer, Dr Andrew Kelly said: “We are delighted that PJ has lent his support to the campaign. As a top comedian, he’s the perfect choice to convey the message that pet overpopulation is no laughing matter.
“It is vital that all pet owners play their part in tackling this issue by ensuring their cats and dogs are neutered or spayed.
“This year we are also making the important point that spaying or neutering also brings many benefits for both owners and pets, including reducing the risk of certain cancers, having a positive benefit for health and lifespan and curbing unwanted sexual behaviour and marking. In most cases neutering is best and we would encourage all pet owners to get their pets neutered, but also to be guided by their vet on when it is most appropriate.”
