My Lovely Horse Animal Rescue (MLHR) responded urgently to viral footage showing a freezing pug puppy curled up in a plastic plant pot to escape heavy rain. After spotting the distressing video, the rescue team contacted Gardaí in Limerick and drove over seven hours to save the exhausted puppy, now named Dave in honor of Sergeant Dave who helped with the rescue. 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 lack national animal welfare inspection coverage, limiting their ability to act without police involvement. MLHR has applied to become authorized officers but awaits approval, while also struggling financially despite a €90,000 government grant, as their annual costs exceed €1.5 million. The charity emphasizes the urgent need for greater support to continue saving vulnerable animals.