Among the animals rescued were 25 dogs - including four puppies - 95 rabbits, 58 guinea pigs, 22 hamsters, four mice, a corn snake, a slider terrapin, and a musk turtle.
In what is understood to be one of the largest single-animal rescues in recent years, the Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ISPCA) has removed 207 animals from a severely overcrowded private property in Kildare following a call to its National Animal Cruelty Helpline.
Among the animals rescued were 25 dogs - including four puppies - 95 rabbits, 58 guinea pigs, 22 hamsters, four mice, a corn snake, a slider terrapin, and a musk turtle.
The operation was led by ISPCA Inspector Jimmy McCormack, who described the scene as a case of uncontrolled breeding and severe overpopulation.
The animals were found living in distressing conditions both inside the home and in an outdoor shed. Over 25 Cavalier King Charles Spaniels were confined to the kitchen, creating a high-stress environment filled with constant barking.
Other animals, including rodents and reptiles, were housed throughout the property.
Outside, dozens of rabbits, guinea pigs, and hamsters were found crammed into rusty cages stacked on top of one another in a dark, poorly ventilated shed.
Though food and water were being provided, many animals exhibited signs of respiratory illness and poor hygiene. Veterinary checks confirmed multiple health issues, including overgrown nails, eye infections, and neurological disorders.
Subsequent veterinary examinations found that several of the small animals had respiratory issues, their nails were overgrown and one of the rabbits had to have faeces caked on its back end clipped away.
Two rabbits were euthanised due to serious medical conditions.
The rescued animals are now receiving veterinary care and rehabilitation. Many will be available for adoption in the coming weeks.
However, the scale of the operation has placed significant pressure on ISPCA resources.
According to the ISPCA, the people involved "fully acknowledged" that the numbers of animals had gotten out of control and had become too much for them. They "cooperated fully" with the removal of the animals and "complied" with all instructions given by ISPCA Inspectors.
Chief Inspector Dowling said: “It was a shock to see so many animals crammed into tiny spaces and cages that were not fit for purpose. Most of the small animals lived their lives in a dark, dirty mouse infested shed with insufficient room to hop around and exhibit natural behaviour."
The DSPCA and CSPCA offered to lend their support and take some of the animals into their care for rehabilitation and rehoming.
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