Irish dog lovers launch Christmas fundraiser to help 'drowning' animal charities

A campaign to raise money for animal rescues across Ireland has been launched on Go Fund Me. 

The Christmas fundraiser was launched by advocates called The Dog Helpers to help struggling Irish animal charities who they state are "drowning" in an animal welfare crisis. 

It is currently a third of the way towards its €6,000 goal. 

The Dog Helpers published the campaign with the following caption: "Christmas, to many, is a lovely time of year full of happiness, love and excitement. For Irish rescues it’s heartbreaking. This year has been particularly hard on our animal welfare charities, doors are shutting because the crowds of dogs being abandoned and victims of cruelty has increased like no other.

"Christmas is about to make this situation even worse, which is a very scary thought… unfortunately rescues are full which means the last resort are pounds which can lead to dogs being euthanised."

Funds raised will help rescues which "don't receive near the amount of funding they need to operate" so they can save more animals. 

These include My Lovely Horse Rescue, Husky Rescue, TNR west rescue, Milo’s Mission Rescue, and Wicklow Animal Welfare & Dogs Aid.

The Dog Helpers spokesperson continued: "...it’s not worth thinking about what will happen if they aren’t saved by a rescue. 

"So please enter our fundraiser, to raise much needed funds for these rescues but to also give hope to the little innocent animals who are going to be abandoned this Christmas, have cruelty inflicted or be neglected." 

A donation of €5 gives each donator the chance to win prizes, with five released each week in the lead up to Christmas and a 'mega prize' released on December 24. 

The first prize (released on Week 1) included a bottle of prosecco, items from Newbridge Silverware, and a hamper of doggie treats. 

To make a donation, click here.