A freezing pug puppy was found shivering in the rain, curled up on a plastic plant pot to avoid the soaked ground. Distressing footage of the tiny dog struggling to stay awake went viral, prompting My Lovely Horse Animal Rescue (MLHR) to act swiftly. The rescue team contacted Gardaí in Limerick and traveled over seven hours to save the puppy, now named Dave in honor of Sergeant Dave who helped. The puppy is now safe in MLHR’s care, with the charity promising he will never face cruelty again.

The case highlights a broader issue in Ireland, where MLHR and similar groups are not authorized officers and there is no national animal welfare inspection system, leaving many animals vulnerable. MLHR has applied to become authorized officers but is still awaiting approval. Despite receiving a €90,000 grant, the charity’s annual costs exceed €1.5 million, underscoring the urgent need for greater support to continue their life-saving work.