[image alt="ISPCA appeals for homes for large number of Jack Russell Terrier" src="http://cdn.thejournal.ie/media/2017/09/ispca-appeals-for-homes-for-large-number-of-jack-russell-terrier-296x222.jpg" width="296" height="222" credit-source="ISPCA" caption="This%20is%20Wendy%2C%20one%20of%2028%20Jack%20Russell%20terriers%20that%20the%20ISPCA%20is%20trying%20to%20home.%20" class="alignnone" /end]

THE ISPCA IS appealing for homes for 28 Jack Russell terrier dogs and puppies recently given to the charity.

The dogs are currently being cared for at the National Animal Centre in Longford.

The charity responded to a call expressing concern for the dogs’ welfare on a property and found that they had been allowed to breed freely and the number of dogs was spiralling out of control.

The majority of the dogs found were just 18 months old or less and included 17 puppies.

The dogs were taken to the National Animal Centre for veterinary care. The dogs showed no sign of major health issues.

[image alt="ISPCA appeals for homes for large number of Jack Russell Terrier" src="http://cdn.thejournal.ie/media/2017/09/ispca-appeals-for-homes-for-large-number-of-jack-russell-terrier-3-296x222.jpg" width="296" height="222" credit-source="ISPCA" caption="Ariel%20is%20looking%20for%20a%20permanent%20home.%20" class="alignnone" /end]

ISPCA Daisy, along with the other dogs, is currently in the National Animal Centre in Longford. ISPCA

“While we are pleased to have been able to intervene before any major welfare issues arose, spaying or neutering would have prevented these unwanted litters of puppies from being born in the first place,” ISPCA chief inspector Conor Dowling said.

Last year, 16,312 calls were made to the National Animal Cruelty Helpline, resulting in over 3,200 investigations. 995 animals were seized or surrendered.

“The rescue and rehabilitation of such a large number of dogs and puppies places a significant amount of pressure on the ISPCA, both financially and also in terms of accommodating such an influx of animals.”

Dowling said that owners “need to take action to have their pets neutered or spayed to end the cycle of pet overpopulation”.

[image alt="ISPCA appeals for homes for large number of Jack Russell dogs an" src="http://cdn.thejournal.ie/media/2017/09/ispca-appeals-for-homes-for-large-number-of-jack-russell-dogs-an-296x222.jpg" width="296" height="222" credit-source="ISPCA" caption="This%20is%20Louie.%20" class="alignnone" /end]

The ISPCA has issued a reminder to pet owners that spaying or neutering not only brings many benefits for both owners and their pet, but it also reduces the risk of certain cancers, having a positive benefit for the health and lifespan of their pets.

[image alt="ISPCA appeals for homes for large number of Jack Russell dogs an" src="http://cdn.thejournal.ie/media/2017/09/ispca-appeals-for-homes-for-large-number-of-jack-russell-dogs-an-2-296x222.jpg" width="296" height="222" credit-source="ISPCA" caption="And%20this%20is%20Mowgli.%20" class="alignnone" /end]

The National Animal Centre in Longford is open every Wednesday to Sunday between 11.30am and 4pm, where visitors can meet the animals in the centre’s care.

For more information about these dogs and puppies who are in need of a home, click here.

Read: Appeal for information after dog is shot in neck in Dublin

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