ATU hosts Canines on Campus: A fundraiser and dog walk supporting animal rescues

Atlantic Technological University (ATU) will host the inaugural ATU Canines on Campus, a dog walk and a fundraiser on Monday, 26 August 2024, on three ATU campuses in support of four animal rescues in the west and northwest of Ireland: MADRA (Galway), Galway SPCA, Leitrim Animal Welfare, and Animals in Need Donegal. The event coincides with National Dog Day and is the first initiative of its kind in Ireland. 

In Ireland, animal shelters face increasing demand for their services. The Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ISPCA) reported that 1,474 animals were seized or surrendered and taken into their care in 2023. Dogs Trust Ireland has already received 412 surrender requests this year, following 3,968 requests in 2023. In response, ATU staff and students have launched this pilot project to support the four animal rescues.  

Dr Orla Flynn, President of ATU, expressed her enthusiasm about the initiative, stating: "ATU Canines on Campus is a fundraiser and dog walk to be held on our Galway City, Sligo and Donegal Letterkenny campuses, in support of four outstanding animal rescues making a positive impact in our region. By coming together for this event, we can support these organisations in their mission to improve animal welfare in the west and northwest of Ireland. I invite everyone to join us in celebrating our furry friends and contributing to a cause that truly makes a difference." 

Megan Gaffney, Manager of Leitrim Animal Welfare, highlights the profound impact of adoption: "When you adopt from a shelter, you save two lives, the one you have adopted and the one who gets their space. Our mission is to save as many lives as possible." 

Emma O'Brien, Kennel Manager of Galway SPCA, shares Megan's dedication, following the rescue’s mission to ‘Rescue, Rehabilitate and Rehome’.  
"Galway SPCA's aim is to rescue, rehabilitate, and rehome as many animals as we possibly can. We fix the broken, we give strength to the weak, hope for the defeated, and love the unloved through our passion and dedication. It is important to us that by working with other groups, communities, and fellow animal lovers we can show that rescue animals make the most loyal and loving of family pets if given a chance. Changing lives one day at a time." 

Dawn Divilly, Director of Operations at MADRA Dog Rescue says the ATU Canines on Campus initiative supports the mission of the rescues to improve the lives of those in need.  
“We are delighted to be chosen as one of ATU's charities for their Canines on Campus event. This wonderful initiative highlights the incredible bond between humans and animals. Rescues like us are under constant pressure to help the thousands of unwanted dogs in Ireland and we can only do this with the support of our communities. We look forward to collaborating with ATU to create a memorable and impactful event for the community.” 

Participating in this campaign will make more people aware of where to look for help”, says Gita McMullan, Manager at Animals in Need Donegal. 

“The situation in Donegal, in Ireland in fact, is desperate and very sad. There are too many dogs, and cats being bred and not enough homes available, leaving rescues and pounds full to bursting and struggling to cope with the sheer numbers. Making more people aware of us and where to look for help will be a great help. We get many calls on a daily basis, and one common issue is that people didn't know where to go for help before the situation with animals got out of hand. Getting young people involved and highlighting safe and responsible ownership are key to changing people's attitudes toward animals”, she added.  

ATU invites everyone to participate by donating and joining the dog walk. Please note that registration is mandatory for this dog walk. For more information, visit atu.ie/caninesoncampus or follow ATU's social media channels. 


More about the rescues: 
Leitrim Animal Welfare (LAW) rescue centre, based in Barraghmore, Drumkeerin in County Leitrim, was established in 1997 and covers the Sligo and Leitrim area. It is the first pound in Ireland to operate a ‘no-kill’ policy and takes between 300 and 400 dogs and cats per year.  

Galway SPCA has been actively rehoming and improving animal welfare in County Galway for over 20 years. Their main base is between Killimor and Portumna, where they care for dogs, while their cattery is located in Briarhill Business Park.  

MADRA, an acronym for Mutts Anonymous Dog Rescue & Adoption, and the Irish for dog, is based in Connemara, County Galway and has been rehoming abandoned and neglected dogs across the west coast of Ireland since 2005. MADRA takes between 500 and 600 dogs every year.  

In 2006, Animals in Need Donegal was founded in Donegal Town by a small group of like-minded people wanting to alleviate animal suffering in the Donegal area. The organisation is 100% powered by volunteers and has a strict no-kill policy.  

Photo caption: Jennie Coughlan Greene, an ATU Outdoor Education student, with her dog Cali.  
 

Ivana Hanjs  
Digital Communications Officer   
Ollscoil Teicneolaíochta an Atlantaigh (OTA), Éire  
Atlantic Technological University (ATU), Ireland  
Tel: +353 89 963 9559   
www.atu.ie/communications