The public are being asked to think before giving animals as presents this Christmas, as Minister for Agriculture Simon Coveney today announced funding of almost €1.87m to animal welfare services across the country.

142 animal welfare organisations will begin receiving their share of the funding immediately, as Minister Coveney appealed to people to "exercise discretion" when considering gifting animals as pets this Christmas. The Minister said animals given as presents are often abandoned by their new owners when the novelty wears off, "and it is left to the animal welfare charities to deal with the consequences of these abandonments which places unnecessary pressure on their resources".

Coveney said that this year has been challenging and difficult at times. He said: "Continuing reports of animal cruelty have highlighted the need to assist animal welfare organisations in their work." The Minister said that he is committed to improving the entire scope of animal welfare through the new Animal Health and Welfare Act. He said the act "consolidates a wide range of existing legislation, enshrining the five freedom concept of animal welfare which underpin best practice for animals regardless of whether kept for farming, sporting or companion purpose. It also provides additional powers for Gardai and making attending a dog fight an offence.”