Homes found for rescued puppies

The animals were found on a roadside in early September and now homes have been found for the all of the pups.

Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council have handed this dog family to the care of Almost Home Animal Rescue in Moira.

Read more: Video: Abandoned dog and pups rescued by the council

Councillor James Baird, Chairman of the Council’s Environmental Services Committee and Joanne MacAskill, Senior Dog Warden recently met sanctuary owner Karen Matthews to see the little dog family that the Council had entrusted to the care of this popular sanctuary.

The pups have all been chosen by new owners and one has already gone to its new home. Mum Honey is still waiting for her new forever home.

Speaking about the visit Councillor Baird, said: “These four young pups that had a hard start to life are now thriving and ready to be rehomed. Their mum and Karen’s team have taken great care of them for over five weeks and they really do look like different dogs from those rescued from a busy roadside by our Dog Warden Service.

“I was delighted to have the opportunity to meet these young pups who touched the hearts of thousands of people across Northern Ireland and further afield. It is sad to remember the fifth young pup that had to be euthanized due to its injuries but that was a tough decision that had to be made by the vet.

“Karen and her team of volunteers at Almost Home have done an excellent job of providing tender loving care to these pups and their mum. This young dog family all have healthy appetites and appear to have forgotten the stresses caused by their former owners and are very trusting of humans now.

“The Council is delighted that Almost Home has successfully rehome the four pups to owners that will care for them and treat them like one of the family. On behalf of the Council I wish these dogs and their new owners a very enjoyable life together. I hope that mum Honey soon finds her new forever home.

“Without the support of local animal sanctuaries the Council would be inundated with dogs looking to be rehomed. The Council is legally obliged to hold a dog for five days before rehoming it and the Council endeavours to rehome as many as possible direct from its Dog Pound but sometimes it needs to pass them on to a sanctuary to get rehomed. I would encourage local residents to support these animal sanctuaries by donating their time, money or food and treats to help ease the pressure on these hardworking charities,” concluded Councillor Baird.

Karen Matthews added: “I would like to commend the swift action of the Council Dog Wardens on rescuing this dog family from the busy roadside. Their actions ensured that these dogs have been brought back to good health through veterinary treatment and loving care from our volunteers. It is a pleasure to work with the Council and I look forward to the partnership Almost Home has with it continuing.”

Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council would like to encourage residents to phone 028 9049 4500 should they have any concerns about animals within the Council area so that swift action can be taken to ensure these animals are cared for.