Key facts
- Recent statistics released by the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government have shown that, on average, 43 dogs are put to sleep each and every day in Ireland.
Recent statistics released by the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government have shown that, on average, 43 dogs are put to sleep each and every day in Ireland. Further, for every one Irish dog that is adopted, there are two that are not.* In order to help curb these startling figures, Pedigree has once again launched the Pedigree Adoption Drive which will run from January through to the end of March 2009.
Other worrying statistics include:
• In 2007, 15,587 dogs were surrendered, a nearly 10% increase from just four years earlier (2003 when 14,318 were surrendered)
• On average, only 8,721 manage to find warm and loving homes every year
• Overall, 67 unwanted dogs are abandoned every day in Ireland, many of them perfectly healthy
In its second year, the Pedigree Adoption Drive seeks to raise awareness of these statistics and encourage Irish dog lovers to adopt a dog from their local shelter or welfare organisation.
The campaign also aims to help raise much needed funds for rescue centres nationwide. To do so, Pedigree is donating 2 cents from each Pedigree product sold between January 1 and the end of March, which will then be distributed to Irish shelters in 2009. Successfully raising €100,000 in 2008, Pedigree aims to raise the same amount this year despite the economic downturn, while also helping to find homes for as many dogs as possible.
New to the campaign is the ‘Pedigree Pledge’, which encourages those who are unable to adopt a dog, to pledge their support to the Pedigree Adoption Drive and what it represents. Supporters need only visit www.pedigreeadoptiondrive.ie and add their name to the many other dog lovers that have already signed up.
Speaking on behalf of the Irish Society of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ISPCA), CEO Mark Beazley said “We are delighted to be a part of this campaign once again this year. The money raised in 2008 went a long way for us, and other animal rescue centres nationwide, to re-home hundreds of dogs throughout the country. With thousands more needing our help again this year, the Pedigree Adoption Drive gives hope to so many abandoned and homeless dogs and raises awareness of responsible dog ownership.”
Ambassador for the campaign is Irish rugby international and dog lover, Gordon D’Arcy, who said “This is a really worthy cause. I have grown up with dogs and understand the fantastic role they can play in someone’s life. Supporting the Pedigree Adoption Drive not only means shelters receive much needed funds to give these animals the help they need, but adopting a pet will bring an adoring and loving companion into your life – something you just can’t put a price on.”
To find out more on dog adoption, from how the adoption process works, from training to everyday care, and to sign the Pedigree Pledge, visit www.pedigreeadoptiondrive.ie.
Editors Notes:
* Statistics sourced from Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government
For more information
Katie Markese
Edelman
Katie.markese@edelman.com
01 678 9333
Sylvia Brennan
Edelman
Sylvia.brennan@edelman.com
01 678 9333
087 699 1301
Anne Browning
Edelman
anne.browning@edelman.com
01 679 9333
087 936 6102
Interviews are available and can be arranged with Gordon D’Arcy and Mark Beazley from the ISPCA.
