Cork North West Fine Gael Deputy John Paul O’Shea TD has warmly welcomed the recent announcement by the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Martin Heydon TD, confirming record funding of €6.4 million for animal welfare charities nationwide, with almost €800,000 allocated to organisations across Cork.
Deputy O’Shea said the funding is a major boost for Cork-based animal welfare groups who work tirelessly, often on a voluntary basis, to protect, care for and rehome animals throughout the county. “This is a very significant investment in animal welfare, and I am particularly pleased to see the strong level of support for Cork organisations, who provide invaluable services in our communities. These groups are often the first line of support for abandoned, neglected and injured animals, and this funding will help them to continue their vital work.”
Cork organisations benefiting under the 2025 Animal Welfare Grants Programme include:
-
Cork SPCA – €156,950
-
The Donkey Sanctuary – €320,000
-
Cork Dog Action Welfare Group (Cork DAWG) – €69,975
-
Pauline’s Rescue – €46,050
-
West Cork Animal Welfare Group – €40,725
-
Cork Cat Action Trust – €30,000
-
Munster Lost & Found Pet Helpline – €30,000
-
Community Cats Network – €26,000
-
Homeless Animal Rescue Team (HART) – €18,000
-
Cork Animal Care Society – €13,500
-
Rehoming Cork Pets – €13,050
-
Wildlife Rescue Cork – €12,000
-
Rural Animal Welfare Resources (RAWR) – €7,000
Deputy O’Shea also welcomed the comments of Minister Heydon, who announced the highest-ever allocation under the programme.
Minister Heydon said “The welfare of animals continues to be a priority to me and my Department. I am delighted to be in a position to provide the highest ever allocation under the grants programme to animal welfare charities throughout the country. I would like to personally thank the staff and all the volunteers in these organisations for their dedication to achieving the best possible outcomes for animals in their care.”
Deputy O’Shea added that the funding recognises not only rehoming work, but also the education and preventative efforts carried out by charities across Cork. “These organisations go far beyond rescue and rehoming. They play a crucial role in educating the public, promoting responsible pet ownership and preventing animal welfare issues before they arise,” he said.
Deputy O’Shea also echoed Minister Heydon’s call for responsible decision-making in the lead-up to Christmas. “A pet can bring enormous joy to a household, but it is a long-term commitment. I would strongly encourage anyone considering getting a pet to think carefully and, where possible, to adopt responsibly through one of our excellent Cork-based charities,” Deputy O’Shea concluded.
Minister Heydon announces an increased allocation of €6.4m in grants to 94 animal welfare charities. Photo by Maxwell Photography.
