Tipperary animal welfare charities to receive over €180,000 in government funding

Six Tipperary animal welfare charities are to receive €183,425 in funding, the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Charlie McConalogue announced this week.

The Tipperary recipients are Mo Chara Animal Rescue and PAWS Animal Rescue, receiving €28,500 and €73,475, respectively.

Cappanagarrane Horse Rescue are to receive €22,350

Great Hounds in Need, €7,000.

Roscrea SPCA is to receive €37,050 and The Haven €15,050.

In total, funding for 99 groups was announced.

Speaking during the announcement of the winners of a children's art competition for the second Annual Animal Welfare Awareness Day, Minister McConalogue said those who work in animal welfare charities are frontline workers who are essential.

He said he recognises their work which he knows can be very difficult.

"Animal welfare is important to all of us in Ireland and is a priority for me and the Government. I am delighted to announce today the highest-ever level of funding of €5.8m to animal welfare charities.

"This money will go to support organisations across the country working to protect and take care of animals. The additional funding provided this year will make a real difference by improving the welfare of animals in Ireland.

"Animal welfare charities play a crucial role in helping animals in need, educating people, and raising public awareness about improving animal welfare," said Minister McConalogue.

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Sinn Féin TD Martin Browne welcomed the funding but said more needed to be done.

He said there is a high demand for animal welfare services and the costs are very high for the organisations.

Those organisations are also facing the challenges of the cost of living crisis.

"Today's increases are welcome, but they will soon be depleted with the bills that face many of these organisations. More needs to be done, and funding needs to be directed towards those who have the most immediate need of funding.

"Costs have gone up for these organisations as they have for everyone. And when demand increases as well, we need to see an appropriate response.

"I, therefore, welcome the overall increase in the Animal Welfare Grant as announced today, such as allocated to PAWS Animal Rescue. But more must be done. I would urge the Department to remember that its obligations to these organisations do not end here.

"The department must keep itself aware of the challenges that will face these organisations between now and next December's funding announcement and respond accordingly," said Mr Browne.