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One of the ponies rescued by the Louth SPCA Louth SPCA
Animal Welfare

Louth SPCA left to care for over 100 animals after closure of petting farm

The LSPCA said that a lot of the animals are showing signs of neurological conditions which will require extensive veterinarian care to treat.

THE LOUTH SOCIETY for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals has started an online fundraiser for the care of over 100 animals following the closure of a petting farm.

The closure of the petting farm left the animals without any provisions, such as food and water, during a spell of warm weather

Animals that have been removed from the property already include Shetland ponies, donkeys, peacocks, quail, zebra finches, budgies, wrens, lovebirds and other assorted doves and poultry.

The LSPCA said that many animals will never be suitable for rehoming, and now require costly veterinary treatment.

A volunteer of the LSPCA told TheJournal.ie that the petting farm closed on Monday 28 May but that volunteers did not get in to give the animals fresh water until 31 May.

The rescue was organised by the Louth SPCA inspector Fiona Squibb alongside volunteers from other animal charities.

“After the closure of the petting farm, it would appear that the animals lacked access to sufficient food or fresh drinking water – despite the hot weather.

”When we did gain access, many of the animals were severely dehydrated and in desperate need of treatment for heavy parasite burdens.

”We have managed to oversee the removal of most of the animals from the site and will continue to provide the animals with the specialist lifelong care that may require,” Squibb said.

30302172_15278742430_r The LSPCA say that the Snowy Owl pictured above is exhibiting neurological symptoms that suggest she may have received major head trauma, or consumed a poisoned mouse. Louth DSPCA Louth DSPCA

According to the LSPCA volunteer, Emma O’Hare, about 40 animals are still on the property.

It is still early days to know the future of the animals but it is likely that because of the treatment they’ve received at the petting farm, they will have to live out their lives in a rescue centre.

The LSPCA said that a lot of the animals are showing signs of neurological conditions which will require extensive veterinarian care to treat.

Funding is desperately required to provide care to these animals, especially those who need urgent veterinary attention.

Donations can be made to the Louth SPCA GoFundMe campaign here.

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