The ISPCA has launched an urgent appeal for help – with the number of animals needing care up 80% this year.

The animal welfare charity said there has been a sharp increase in animal cruelty cases across Ireland since the pandemic – putting a significant financial burden on the charity’s resources.

It said more innocent animals than ever before are being abandoned, abused or neglected – with its four centres in Donegal, Longford, Mallow and Wicklow all now at maximum capacity.

ISPCA spokesperson Denise McCauseland told Newstalk there are many ways people can help.

“It is a snowball effect effectively and what we are trying to do today is highlight what’s going on, get it out there to the public and see if people would be willing to help us out,” she said.

“To give us a small donation towards our work and also, highlight the fact that there are a lot of wonderful dogs in our rescue centres looking for homes.”

Musician Erica Cody at the ISPCA ‘Stop the Pain’ urgent appeal. Image: Tom Douglas/Newstalk

The ISPCA said inspectors have taken in almost 700 dogs in the first quarter of 2023 alone.

The emergency ‘Stop The Pain’ appeal aims to raise enough funds to cover the cost of caring for the animals – with is expected to rise to over €500,000 this year as the charity houses dogs in private kennels or temporary facilities.

With reporting from Tom Douglas in Dublin.