THE ISPCA HAS issued an urgent appeal for the public to consider adopting a dog amid what it describes as a rehoming crisis.

The animal charity said centres across the country are at near capacity, meaning there will be no room to admit other animals in need of help.

As of this week, there are 360 animals in ISPCA care, 191 of whom are dogs.

The ISPCA has called on the public to adopt a dog so that it can make room to help more animals that need to be admitted.

Alan Coyle, head of the National Animal Centre in Longford, said it “can be a real challenge to find new owners to adopt the large volume of animals currently in our care”.

The ISPCA provides shelter, veterinary care, and rehabilitation for rescued animals who have been neglected, abused or cruelly treated.

However, ISPCA kennel space is near capacity and there is a waiting list of more animals that need to be admitted.

“We urgently need more animal lovers to consider adopting a pet and we have so many wonderful animals patiently waiting for their second chance of a happy new home,” said Coyle.

The ISPCA has launched its ‘Clear the Shelters’ campaign so that it can accommodate more animals that need its help and is offering some dog adoption initiatives to support adopters.

This includes a 50% reduced adoption fee on dogs adopted from ISPCA Centres until 31 October.

Coyle also noted that larger dog breeds tend to be overlooked and as a result they remain in care for longer.

“What they really need is a nice home environment with a loving family,” said Coyle, who added that all dogs adopted from ISPCA Centres are assessed, vaccinated, microchipped, treated for parasites and neutered/spayed.

He added that the ISPCA works hard to ensure the best possible match between the animals in its care and potential adopters.

Meanwhile, ISPCA Chief Inspector Conor Dowling said that Animal Welfare Inspectors want to rescue even more animals but making space in centres is a challenge.

“By taking part in our ‘Clear the Shelters’ rehoming initiative, you will also be supporting our rescue work enabling us to help and secure accommodation for more animals in need,” said Dowling.

A gallery of the dogs currently ready for adoption from ISPCA centres is available here.