29-04-2025
Horror as over 200 animals that were ‘crammed into tiny spaces' removed from ‘out of control' situation at Irish house
OVER 200 animals have been removed from a house over welfare concerns.
Some 25 dogs, 95 rabbits, 58 guinea pigs, 22 hamsters, four mice, one terrapin, one turtle and one corn snake were taken away from a property in
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There were over 25 Cavalier King Charles Spaniels living in the kitchen of the house
Credit: ISPCA Handout
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The animals taken from the property include 58 guinea pigs and 22 hamsters
Credit: ISPCA HANDOUT
And when Inspector McCormack arrived at the house, he was 'shocked' by the scale of the animal overpopulation mayhem.
The ISPCA official today revealed how animals of various species were being bred and also retained at the gaff, with overcrowding spiralling out of control
A massive 25 Cavalier King Charles Spaniels - including four puppies - were found living in the kitchen of the house alone.
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In an outside shed, there were large numbers of rabbits, guinea pigs and hamsters confined in rusty cages stacked on top of each other.
The shed was dark with little natural light and ventilation was poor.
And in addition to the pet animals in the shed, wild mice were also living there and burrowing through the straw.
Stunned Inspector McCormack was forced to call on colleagues for support, with a large-scale rescue operation mounted involving
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The ISPCA said 'the people involved fully acknowledged that the numbers of animals had gotten out of control and had become too much for them'.
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The charity added: 'They cooperated fully with the removal of the animals and complied with all instructions given by ISPCA Inspectors.'
Subsequent veterinary examinations found that several of the small animals had respiratory issues, their nails were overgrown and one of the rabbits had to have faeces caked on its back end clipped away.
Sadly, two of the rabbits had neurological issues and were euthanised on veterinary advice.
'SHOCK TO SEE'
Chief Inspector Conor Dowling admitted he was glad his team could intervene to rescue the animals.
Chief Insp Dowling said: 'It was a shock to see so many animals crammed into tiny spaces and cages that were not fit for purpose.
'Most of the small animals lived their lives in a dark, dirty mouse infested shed with insufficient room to hop around and exhibit natural behaviour.
'The situation should never have been allowed to get so out of hand but thankfully we were able to intervene before the physical health of the animals deteriorated further.
'Our priority is the welfare of the animals involved, but we also must be mindful of working with vulnerable people.
'We encourage members of the public to continue reporting any animal welfare concerns to our helpline'.
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Animals of various species were being bred, and also retained
Credit: ISPCA Handout
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Inspector McCormack discovered a serious animal overpopulation and overcrowding problem
Credit: ISPCA HANDOUT
