An emergency appeal has been launched.
One animal charity has noticed a spike in cruelty and neglect cases against dogs because of an over-population.
In response, the ISPCA has launched an emergency appeal for donations and rescue families to adopt a pup.
It says its four shelters in Wicklow, Donegal, Longford and Mallow are full, so it's having to rent kennel spaces.
Pete the Vet says the over-population has had devastating effects on the charity's resources:
CEO, Dr Cyril O’Sullivan, says it badly needs donations to help these pups:
The ISPCA’s National Lead for Animal Welfare, Denise McCauseland has noticed worrying trends from inspectors reports:
Comedian and Broadcaster PJ Gallagher has called on people to adopt a dog - and says rescues are not "damaged":
The Charity’s emergency fundraising appeal is called Stop the Pain, and you can donate at ISPCA.ie