THE Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Charlie McConalogue TD, has announced funding of €6 million to 101 animal welfare charities nationwide, an increase of €200,000 on last year.

The total going to equine charities is €781,213, which is €69,500 less than last year, with most of that shortfall made up of a decreased amount allocated to The Donkey Sanctuary of Ireland.

This year, there was an additional focus on supporting charities involved in rehoming dogs in recognition of what was a particularly challenging year for those working to rescue, protect and rehome dogs.

“Animal welfare is a priority for me and for my Department and is important to us all in Ireland,” Minister McConalogue said.

“I am delighted to announce that I am providing the highest ever level of funding by my Department to animal welfare charities. These grants will support these organisations in the vital work they do across the country, protecting, rescuing and taking care of animals, and providing education and guidance so as to prevent welfare problems from arising in many cases.

“I recognise that this year, dog welfare charities have had additional pressures to deal with, and so the increase in funding is focussed on providing additional support for those organisations.”

The highest amount of equine charity funding goes to The Donkey Sanctuary Ireland based in Mallow, Co. Cork, which will get €300,000, down from €379,500 last year.

The next highest amount, €140,250 will go to the Hungry Horse Outside charity, based in Newtownforbes, Co Longford.

The third highest amount of €136,900 will go to the Irish Horse Welfare Trust, Arklow, Co Wicklow.

Cappanagarrane Horse Rescue, Thurles, Co Tipperary has been allocated €22,350 and Forgotten Horses Ireland, Co Galway will get €20,775.

The Irish Horse Rehoming Programme based at Beacon Stud, Cloneygowan, Co Offaly is in line for €23,550.

The ISPCA National Equine Centre, Mallow, Co Cork has been allocated €65,175 and Leinster Horse and Pony Rescue, Trim, Co Meath will receive €18,150.

Finally, My Lovely Horse based at Moyvalley, Co Kildare, will get €54,063.

Important work

Highlighting the important work done by animal welfare charities in Ireland, the Minister said:

“I’d like to acknowledge the important work carried out, often in very challenging circumstances, by animal welfare organisations and their dedicated volunteers and staff across Ireland.

“Animal welfare charities play a crucial role in helping animals in need, educating people, and raising public awareness about improving animal welfare.”