Concerns have been expressed over the future of the Donegal-based animal rehabilitation centre for the Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ISPCA).
It follows plans for an overall review at the parent group, the ISPCA.
The local branch of the organisation, based at Ballyare outside Letterkenny, is one of a number of centres around the country which is undergoing a financial review.
Staff at the centre have been made aware of the difficulties and have been told that job losses at the centre are amongst a number of options being looked at.
Donegal Daily has been contacted by concerned staff who claim a decision has already been made on the closure of the Donegal facility.
However, chairperson of the ISPCA, Pete Wedderburn, said no decisions have been made in relation to any closures, including the Donegal centre.
He said, “Like many animal welfare charities, the ISPCA is in a financially challenging time, with rising costs and reduced income from donations. Naturally, our operations need to be tailored to meet our ongoing income, and so we are in the process of reviewing all of our costs.
“At the moment, it is impossible to be sure about what this review will lead to as there are many different elements under consideration.
“The Donegal Centre provides an important part of our nationwide structure, working with our Centres in Longford, Wicklow and Mallow, to ensure that animals across the country get the help that they need when they are victims of neglect or cruelty.
“As no decisions have been taken as yet, we cannot respond to your other queries other than to say that the ISPCA will always put plans in place to handle any changes made nationwide and staff will be an important part of this process.”
Mr Wedderburn added that should any changes occur affecting staff, the ISPCA has a strong policy of always meeting their obligations to staff and would provide for this.
He added, “However, while various elements of our service are being reviewed it is important to stress that our Inspectorate work is separate to this, and irrespective of any decision the ISPCA Inspectors will continue to cover their areas. This is the same in Donegal, with an ISPCA Inspector covering the area, as they currently do.
“If anyone encounters any issues of concern with animal welfare, they will always be able to call our National Animal Cruelty Helpline on 0818 515 515. Alternatively, an online anonymous reporting form can be completed at: https://ispca.ie/report-cruelty/”
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