By Róise Collins
AFTER years of tireless work rescuing, rehabilitating and rehoming animals in need, Burtonport Animal Rescue has announced it is closing its doors for good.
The volunteer-run organisation, which has been a cornerstone of the local community, outlined ongoing challenges including a severe shortage of volunteers, lack of funding and extensive storm damage as the reasons behind the heart breaking decision.
Annmarie Devine, who dedicated 15 years to running the rescue, said the decision to close wasn’t an easy one.
“There are so many charities out there looking for money that we had no choice,” she told the Donegal News.
“We are so small, and we’re in such a remote area, so we were at the bottom.”
The recent Storm Éowyn also proved to be a devastating blow, causing the loss of the rescue’s stables and significant damage to its cattery.
At its height the premises had a cattery with 10 cages, each of which has housed any number of cats from litters of kittens and their mothers to individual feral cats.
There were also stables, which were used to quarantine cats or house goats, as well as a number of huts, most of which Annmarie built herself.
Over the years, the rescue has welcomed a wide variety of animals.
“We originally started with dogs and goats,” Annmarie explained.
“Then I turned more to cats and goats, because those were the two most in need of rescue.”
Since then, they’ve cared for all sorts of animals from Shetland ponies to potbelly pigs.
In an online post the team thanked those who supported their efforts over the years.
“To our incredible donors and volunteers—we simply couldn’t have done this without you,” the statement read.
“Whether you donated food, supplies or funds, or spend your days cleaning, feeding, transporting or simply showing love to the animals— you made a difference.
“Your kindness gave so many animals a second chance at life.”
HEARTFELT THANKS
They paid a special thanks to Ramelton Shore Vets and praised them for their consistent emergency care and compassion.
They also thanked SuperValu Dungloe for hosting a pet food donation bin in the early days of the rescue’s journey.
Other local rescue organisations, including Animals in Need and Twin Towns Lost and Found, were also recognised for their continued support.
While Burtonport Animal Rescue is closing, its legacy remains.
Over the years, the rescue has helped countless animals find loving homes and played a vital role in raising awareness for animal welfare in west Donegal and beyond.
“The animals we’ve saved, the connections we’ve made, and the community we’ve built will always remain in our hearts,” the statement continued.
All of the animals in their care have been rehomed, with the exception of a few who Annmarie intends to keep until the end of their lives.
Among them is Smokey, the very first cat they rescued, who is now 17 years old, and Cooper, who is also over 13 years old.
Smokey, the very first cat they rescued, is now 17 years old.
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