Mayo based Minister for Labour Affairs Dara Calleary T.D. has welcomed the allocation of €30,000 for four Mayo animal welfare organisations from the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food.

The payments will be made with immediate effect and the Minister said that “he is confident that the money will be put to good use by the organisations in providing the best possible service towards animals in their care”.

“Northwest SPCA has been allocated €15,000; Mayo SPCA has been awarded €8,000; Mayo Animal Welfare €4,000 and Mayo Cat Rescue €3,000.

Each of these organisations provide very practical help to the public on pet care and animal related queries and I am pleased that all four have been successful in their applications for funding,” said Minister Calleary.

“While by and large we are a nation of pet lovers and treat our animals with respect, instances of maltreatment of animals do occur and we are fortunate in Mayo in having such an extensive range of welfare organisations throughout the county actively involved in delivering care, support and assistance to compromised animals”.

In conclusion, the Minister urged people to remember the level of care and responsibility required when taking ownership of animals.  This can often be forgotten at Christmas when animals are given as presents without due consideration to the level of commitment required in owning an animal.  He asked people to heed the warnings and advice offered in this regard and urged people, particularly parents and guardians “to reflect carefully before giving a pet as a present at Christmas or indeed at any other time of the year”.