Over the past two years we have spent €61,000 on veterinary fees for 161 victims of puppy farms. That is why we are urging the public to sign our petition asking for harsher punishments for puppy farmers.

We are appealing to owners not to take their dog ‘trick or treating’ this year and to be wary of treats around the house that can be dangerous for dogs. Lots of Halloween sweets are poisonous to dogs, especially anything containing chocolate, raisins, grapes, and xylitol.

We are appealing for support after taking in eight 10-day-old puppies who require round the clock care. We have also taken in a further 46 puppies, bringing the total intake of puppies to 54 in less than three weeks, as the unwanted dog crisis in Ireland deepens.

We welcome the ‘Report on Canine Welfare’, released today by the Joint Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine. The report recommends a wide range of improvements in legislation governing the sale, supply and advertising of dogs, ear cropping, microchipping of dogs and dog breeding establishments.