Bucket puppies just two of many

LAW Sanctuary Manager Marie O’Connor with Sugar and Spice at the Kilfinane Sanctuary.
LAW Sanctuary Manager Marie O’Connor with Sugar and Spice at the Kilfinane Sanctuary.

JUST days after two puppies who were left to die in a caged bucket were rescued by Limerick Animal Welfare (LAW), the sanctuary has taken in seven more dogs who were found in appalling conditions.

And LAW volunteers suspects that the 12-week old pups – named Sugar and Spice by their rescuers – are the victims of a sick Christmas trade in which they were advertised for sale and when they didn’t earn any money for their unscrupulous owners, were caged and left to die in a ditch.

“The lady who found them said they were concealed under a big thick coat. She would never have seen them. She only knew they were there because she heard them. They would never have got out of that bucket. It was totally wired in,” Marie O’Connor, LAW Sanctuary Manager told the Limerick Post.

And in the last couple of days, welfare staff have taken in seven more dogs, all found at one location in Limerick City.

“They were in dreadful conditions, filthy, starving and full of fleas. We have them vaccinated now and they are in quarantine just to be sure they are not carrying anything.

Sign up for the weekly Limerick Post newsletter

“They are all young animals under the age of one year and one is a nine-week old puppy,” Marie said.

Last year, LAW found forever homes for 450 animals.

“But as soon as we re-home them, more come in. People abandon them or ring up because they want to surrender them. It’s never-ending”.

At time of going to press, one of the two bucket pups had been booked by a new owner.

Anyone interested in adopting an animal can visit the sanctuary in Kilfinane any day before 4pm or go on their website to see animals in need of homes.

There is an adoption fee of €150 and some conditions to fulfil. All dogs are handed over vaccinated, neutered and microchipped.

Advertisement