Much more needs to be done to regulate the breeding of pets in Ireland.
That's according to a leading animal welfare charity in Cork, which was speaking out as many animal shelters across the country are overwhelmed by "a tsunami " of dogs and other pets being surrendered in recent months.
Up 25 owners a week are trying to surrender their dogs to the CSPCA - but a lack of space means the organisation can't accept them straight away.
Speaking to RedFM News, manager of the CSPCA, Vincent Cashman says pet breeding needs to be properly regulated to avoid an oversupply of animals - which end up without homes:
"Technically speaking, there's very little controls on breeding. They are attempting it. The microchipping rules and regulations need to be changed. The 'Sale and Supply of Animals' needs to be changed, whether you're getting people to adhere to a certain set of criteria. If they're selling and supplying animals to the public, they need to have their premises inspected at least once, if not twice a year. There needs to be extra bodies on the ground to do all of these inspections".
If you are interested in adopting an animal from the CSPCA, they can be contacted at 021 451 5534.
