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The Irish Blue Cross, © The Irish Blue |
Microchipping proving best method of identification Low cost neutering scheme During 2005, a total of 743 canine and feline neuters were carried out under the scheme. In 2004, the overall number of small animals neutered was 706 and the corresponding figure for 2003 was 615. The figure for 2002 was 460. Spay Week enhances neutering initiative Department figures in 2003 showed that 18,000 healthy dogs were destroyed through Irish dog pounds. Spay Week is proving an important campaign for vets and welfare organizations to highlight the need to continue to reduce this figure. It has been in decline since the year 2000 when it was recorded at 24,980. However, greater numbers of healthy dogs are destroyed in Ireland than in the UK where 10,000 dogs were destroyed in 2003. Spay Week October 2004 - Robin of Fair City was involved in a publicity campaign to highlight the need to neuter animals. Referrals to private practice for life-saving operations In 2005, 459 pets were referred from our mobile clinics to private practice for surgeries and tests through our subsidised referral scheme. Participating veterinary practices generously discount their fees by one-third and their goodwill is matched with a contribution of one-third by the charity, leaving the needy pet owner with a manageable one-third to pay. Many animals are restored to full health under the scheme. It is of great benefit to those living on limited means who may have experienced a change in their personal circumstances or who simply find it hard to manage for economic reasons. Each year, the number of pets obtaining assistance and the level of cost to the charity is on the increase. Pet owners are referred to a participating veterinary practice in their neighbourhood. Dedicated levels of charity funding and the continued goodwill of the veterinary profession are vital to keep the scheme going. An area of concern is the level of road traffic accident cases requiring our immediate assistance under the scheme. |
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