Animals In Need Donegal reported a surge in abandoned animals this week, taking in five 10-week-old stray kittens alongside several emergency cases that highlight a wider overpopulation issue across the county.
Five Abandoned Kittens Found on Gortahork Riverbank
Abandoned and dumped kittens continue to turn up throughout the county. In Gortahork, rescue workers recently recovered two tiny kittens aged just two weeks from a riverbank. A third sibling had already died before discovery. According to the rescue group, one of the two surviving kittens is currently sick, while their fosterer provides round-the-clock care.
Rescue and Treatment of Cat Flu Victims
A white kitten named Wren arrived at Animals In Need in critical condition after being found trapped inside a derelict house alongside the deceased bodies of her mother and three siblings. Wren suffered from severe malnutrition, dehydration, and cat flu. After two days in a foster home, her weakened immune system forced a return to the veterinary clinic, where she is currently hand-fed and placed on a medicated drip. Meanwhile, a ginger and white kitten named Polly made a strong recovery after arriving with cat flu infections that had sealed her eyes shut. Although the infection left her with reduced vision, Polly’s energy remains unaffected.
Dog Overpopulation and International Rehoming Efforts
Local rescue capacity remains constrained by a high volume of medium and large dogs, particularly collies, which experience low local demand as pets. To combat the overpopulation crisis, Animals In Need partners with rehoming centers in the UK and Scandinavia, where demand for family pets is higher. Last week, a rescue dog successfully secured a Pet Passport and traveled to a new home in Sweden. The charity also reported the return of an adopted dog named Finn, whose placement did not work out, prompting staff to resume the search for his permanent home.
Fundraising Hampers and Pet Food Donations
Community support has helped sustain the rescue operations through recent contributions. A supporter donated a fundraising hamper for an online raffle, with tickets available online and at the Animals In Need Charity Shop in Donegal Town. Additionally, Jollyes the Pet People in Derry delivered a substantial pet food donation contributed by in-store staff and customers. The organization continues to offer confidential pet food support for owners and neutered community cat colonies across Donegal.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can the public contact Animals In Need for cat or kitten enquiries?
Enquiries regarding cats and kittens should be directed to the dedicated helpline at 087 7644420, while the main helpline operates at 087 1356188 for general adoption, fostering, and volunteering information.
Where can people purchase tickets for the fundraising hamper raffle?
Raffle tickets are available for purchase online through the charity’s digital platforms and in person at the Animals In Need Charity Shop located in Donegal Town.
What specific health issues did Wren face upon rescue?
Wren was found in a derelict house suffering from severe malnutrition, dehydration, and cat flu, which later required emergency veterinary treatment, hand-feeding, and a medicated drip.