About the GSPCA

The Galway Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals have been in Galway for roughly twenty years. From humble beginnings, where we looked after animals in our homes, we have progressed to now having a shelter in Heathlawn , Killimor, Co. Galway and a shop offices and cattery in Galway City . We now also have a full time field inspector covering Galway city and county. We daily strive to improve the welfare of all animals both locally and international through education,assistance,advice and the wonderful world of Internet and email. Indeed we are very lucky to have two papers featuring the animals in our care , and we thank the Galway Advertiser and Tuam Herald for allowing us the space to feature our pets of the week. We now with the Galway Independent run a weekly section on improving animal welfare through education. Over the years we have developed a good working relationship with all the local media be it paper, radio, TV and they are always available to help any way they can.

AIMS

The aims of the GSPCA include:

(a) The prevention of cruelty to domestic and wild animals, including birds, and the fostering of knowledge of the behaviour and proper care of animals amongst the public and particularly amongst the youth of Galway City and County.

(b) Provision for the treatment of injured and sick animals (including wild animals and birds) where these are the property of persons who cannot afford professional fees or where their owner is unknown.

(c) Provision of food and shelter for unwanted or stray animals, to find homes for them..
We operate a no-kill policy ( unless it is a fatal injury or illness ).

(d) The undertaking of an active campaign to publicize the aims of the Branch and the utilisation of the media to disseminate information, increase public awareness of the need for proper consideration of animal welfare and to highlight present practices which condone animal abuse.

(e) The lobby of both local and national government on issues concerning animal welfare where such lobbying would have the effect of improving the overall quality of life of animals.

CONCERNS

The GSPCA has, over the years, shown concern for and actively campaigned in a wide variety of areas relating to animal welfare. We campaign in areas such as:

the unnecessary use of animals in laboratories for the purpose of experimentation the lack of facilities for stray and unwanted animals, particularly dogs and donkeys the widespread acceptance of intensive farming methods such as battery hens and the lack of incentives to move up to less intensive methods the widespread slaughter of foxes, badgers and other native species the continued condoning of blood sports such as coursing, and the transport of live cattle to the Middle East under conditions of extreme stress

the provision of laws to protect exotic animals which are on the increase in Ireland

the plight of circus animals in Ireland

APPROACH

The GSPCA is of the opinion that change in these areas is necessary and should be brought about by increasing public awareness, placing pressure on government bodies and representatives to legislate for change and to foster general awareness of the issue of animal welfare

Last update: 21st January 2008

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