Pádraig O'Sullivan (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I acknowledge that record funding was provided last year, as the Minister said in his reply. It was much appreciated by the groups he mentioned. As the Minister acknowledged in his response, an unprecedented number of animals are being returned to charities and shelters to deal with the issue. We are actually now exporting animals abroad, such is the extent of the surrenders. The Dublin Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals alone has approximately 850 animals at this stage. Across the country, in the media, certain charities are looking for extensions or extra premises to accommodate the animals they have at present. They are feeling overwhelmed. I do not expect the Minister to give me a response on providing extra money ahead of the budget. I do not think he would be so kind as to do that today. It is just to press the matter with him and stress the gravity of the situation they are facing.

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