THE LOUTH SPCA faces a ' bleak' year as they struggle to cope with ever growing numbers of abandoned and neglected animals.

' The need has never been greater,' says Fiona Squibb, the LSPCA'S voluntary inspector.

'We literally have no funds to keep going as we are in 2012. '

Fiona added that the society were, as always, grateful for the department funding they had just received.

' But with vets bills and kenelling fees it is becoming extremely difficult for us to carry on. The fact is we won't be able to do the same work we have been doing in the past, it's just not sustainable.'

All of those working with LSPCA are entirely voluntary, including Fiona, but it is the ongoing cost of providing services which is threatening the society.

'We have been very lucky in that a number of people are fostering animals for us, which is a huge help. We always need more though, so anyone who feels they could take care of a dog or cat short term while we try to find a home for them, should contact us.'

Dogs are being abandoned for a number of reasons, sometimes in shocking circumstances. 'We have one little pup at the moment who was just thrown across a wall. She is in a bad way, and is barely fit to stand. But hopefully she will improve.'

As with other animals charities, Fiona sees the most common reason for dogs being abandoned is a change in their owners lifestyle.

'People moving house, especially into rented property is a big factor. Landlords will more often than not ban pets, which is a huge pity because tenants are probably happier, and more likely to stay long term if they have a pet for company.'

' It's understandable of course that some dogs shouldn't be kept inside, but I am appealing to landlords to look at each case individually, smaller dogs are likely to have less impact in a property.'

She added thanks to all those who fundraised for the LSPCA in 2011, and asked that people keep the charity in mind for charity events this year.

'We will also have a series of organised events coming up over the next few months, which we hope local people will support.

* Follow the LSPCA on Facebook, on their website www.louthspca.ie, or contact the society on 042 93 35045