DDR was set up in 2005 by a group of ordinary people in the community who feel passionately about animal welfare, and in particular dogs, and wanted to do something about the huge destruction rate in Louth County Pound ( at the time it was approx 75%). We are a registered charity, run by volunteers and in 2022 we opened our own Rescue Centre. 

MISSION

Dogs can end up in Irish pounds for many reasons. A stray dog in the pound has 5 days to be reclaimed or re-homed (Control of Dogs Act, 1986). A dog surrendered by its owners may be euthanized immediately. 

DDRs mission statement is "To save the lives of dogs on the “put to sleep” lists in pounds, to help rehabilitate and rehome them, and to promote responsible dog ownership" Since its set up DDR has helped thousands of dogs find loving forever homes. We visit schools to talk about owning a dog and we work hard to promote responsible dog ownership.

We rely almost entirely on donations from the public to keep our centre open, to pay our bills and to help as many dogs as we do. In 2023 we won the Louth Business Awards category of Best Charitable Organisation.