ANIMAL charities in West Cork are among the beneficiaries from the latest round of funding from the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.

A total of €6,434,803 has been allocated to 94 animal welfare charities nationwide. In recognition of excellent work and the challenges faced by the animal welfare charities this allocation is the highest ever awarded under the Animal Welfare Grants Programme.

Among those to benefit are West Cork Animal Welfare Group (€40,725), Wildlife Rescue Cork (€12,000), and Cork SPCA (€156,950) and the Donkey Sanctuary (€320,000).

Other Cork welfare groups included are Community Cats Network (€26,000), Cork Animal Care Society (€13,500), Cork Cat Action Trust (€30,000), Homeless Animal Rescue Team (€18,000), Rehoming Cork Pets (€13,050) and Rural Animal Welfare Resources (€7,000).

Minister Heydon said: ‘I would like to take this opportunity to personally thank the staff and all the volunteers in these organisations for their dedication to achieving the best possible outcomes to animals in their care.’

The funding provided this year continues to reward those organisations that have a proven track record in rehoming, providing education to the public on animal welfare, and guidance to prevent welfare problems in the future.

In advance of the Christmas season, Minister Heydon urged the public to think carefully before getting a pet this Christmas. ‘A pet can bring great joy, but with that comes responsibility. Owning and caring for a pet is a major, long-term commitment. New owners should ensure that they source their pet responsibly from a reputable source such as a charity or a reputable breeder.’