Charity faces cat emergency after death of elderly owner

Eilís Ryan

A local animal charity has this week found itself having to step in to care for a large number of pets whose elderly owner has recently died.

 

The “very sad case” saw the man, who was in his 80s, die leaving almost 50 cats and kittens without their carer, Adrian Duigenan, of the Westmeath Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (WSPCA) has revealed this week.
While the cats were well-cared for, some have had to be euthanised; others were in need of some veterinary care – and the WSPCA is still trying to find a litter of kittens it believes to be still based at the property but which they haven’t yet found.
That crisis has landed an already-cash-strapped Association desperately wondering how long it will be able to carry on.
“Our annual grant is €10,000 – but our veterinary bill alone comes to €15,000,” says Adrian, adding that the call to help out with the deceased man’s cats means extra costs in a year when they have been really struggling.
“Funds are urgently needed to assist with feeding and veterinary care for these cats,” says Adrian, explaining that homes have been found for some of them and others have been fostered out.
Coincidentally, the unexpected caseload comes just ahead of this week’s annual WSPCA street collection in Mullingar, an important date in the WSPCA calendar – even more so this year after a downpour on the weekend of the annual churchgate collection saw the Association’s takings halved.
The ongoing battle to ensure pets are treated with care, is one that does cost considerable amounts, both in terms of finances and in terms of time. Adrian stresses that as well as money, the organisation is desperately in need of more volunteers, particularly in areas surrounding Mullingar.
Volunteers are even needed for the street collection this Saturday, and Adrian is appealing for anyone with time on their hands to come forward.
“Volunteers are the backbone of Westmeath SPCA and additional volunteers are needed to help with the collection,” Adrian said.
 

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He adding that the ideal candidates will be friendly, responsible, caring, enthusiastic and interested in helping out with animal welfare.
Anyone prepared to give a hand with the collection is asked to call 086 6383730 as soon as they can to volunteer to help out on Saturday 30th.
Westmeath SPCA, which was founded near Mullingar, has been in existence for over 65 years, covering all Westmeath. It is a registered charity (number 20031619, CHY 11491).
The number given above for volunteers is also the number to call to report incidences of animals in distress or cases of animal cruelty (086 6383730).
“We answer all calls for help with any animal or bird cases, domesticated and wild,” said Adrian, adding that there remains an ongoing problem with neglect of and cruelty toward horses.
“We give out vouchers for spaying and neutering cats and dogs which is an enormous drain on our funds,” he also explained.
Westmeath SPCA’s activities can be followed on its volunteer-run social media channels, Twitter and Facebook.
The Association also has a volunteer run-website and email. https://westmeathspca.wordpress.com
Anyone who would like to support the essential work of Westmeath SPCA immediately in response to the sad situation of the cats left homeless, can make a direct financial donation to the WSPCA’s bank account, at Bank of Ireland, Mullingar, Co Westmeath.
IBAN IE03BOFI90185315754091
Sort code 901853
BIC Bof IIE2D