The number of pet dogs surrendered by owners across Ireland has more than doubled since lockdown restrictions eased.
Dogs Trust, Ireland’s largest dog welfare charity, received 515 requests in the last three months from people seeking to surrender their dog.
This is a 212% increase on the 165 requests for same period in 2020.
Becky Bristow Executive Director at Dogs Trust Ireland, said the charity is concerned at the surge in dogs being surrendered as 240 requests to give up dogs were made in June alone.
She said: “While there are genuine cases of people needing to rehome their dog, we are very worried by the huge increase in people contacting us to surrender their dog as restrictions ease.
"We would encourage all dog owners to sign up for our free interactive pack and start acclimatising their dog to spending more time on their own.
"Our aim for this campaign is to help keep as many dogs happy in their existing homes as possible.
"We are appealing to owners to be patient with their dogs and remember, dogs don’t chew your belongings out of spite, it’s usually caused by stress or boredom at suddenly finding themselves alone, with nothing to do.”
Dogs Trust has launched ‘Life After Lockdown – Bark to Basics’ which offers practical, fun and simple techniques for dog owners to help their pets cope with their increased absence from the home.
Ciara Byrne, Head of Communications at Dogs Trust Ireland, added: "Lots of us are making plans to invite friends over, indulge in some outdoor dining or maybe returning to work outside the home and this may come as a big shock to our fur-covered friends who have grown very accustomed to having us all to themselves.
"Even dogs who were used to not having their family at home in previous years have joyously embraced their humans being present more throughout the various lockdowns, so it’s not just puppies who arrived in homes during the pandemic that will be affected.”
Dogs Trust currently has 233 dogs in its care at its rehoming centre in Finglas, Dublin.
