New animal rescue centre to open in Enniscorthy

For over 150 years, the Wexford Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (WSPCA) has protected animals across the county…

In 1888, the Society erected the iconic swan fountain in The Faythe, Wexford town to ensure all work horses had access to water, it is a lasting symbol of the society’s early commitment to animal welfare.

Now, that legacy continues with an important new chapter.

The WSPCA is set to open a dedicated Animal Rescue Centre in May 2026 at Borovalley Veterinary Clinic in Bree, Enniscorthy.

The new facility will provide a safe, warm, and fully equipped space where vulnerable animals can be rescued, treated, and rehomed. With direct access to on-site veterinary care, animals in urgent need will receive immediate treatment, improving their chances of recovery.

The centre will also significantly support the work of WSPCA inspectors. Having a dedicated facility to safely drop off and collect animals, alongside veterinary services next door, will remove the need to transport animals to multiple appointments — allowing inspectors to focus more of their time on responding to cruelty and welfare calls.

Brigid Cullen, well known in the community for her tireless work with animals and a director with the WSPCA for over 30 years, welcomed the development:

“I’ve seen many changes over the years. While the work of the Society has increased, thanks to our supporters and volunteers, so too have our facilities. This new centre is an exciting step forward and will allow us to provide more space for the animals we take in every day. For the first time, the public will be able to call in, see the day-to-day work of the Society, and share their own ideas and experiences with us.”

Once up and running the society intends focusing on education and community engagement, both will play a key role in promoting responsible pet ownership. How we teach our children to treat animals shapes the kind of society we become,” Brigid told Wexford Weekly.

Over the years people have supported the WSPCA by fostering and caring in their homes for vulnerable animals, this service has been invaluable for the welfare of neglected and abused animals to recover and achieve new lives in caring homes.

The response so far has been incredible. Businesses have supported us financially and through services, and our community has really stepped up with donations. We also have small businesses, pubs, and supermarkets partnering with WSPCA to organise fundraisers.

The €10 ‘Sponsor a Paw’ campaign has been especially well received — every euro makes a difference,

“Exciting times lie ahead, with plenty of hard work still to be done. When completed, the centre will feature a cattery and kennels, along with examination, treatment, and information areas. It is ideally located adjoining Borovalley Veterinary Centre, ensuring the very best professional care is always close at hand.”

“There will also be an outdoor seating area where families can relax and children observe the animals — helping to nurture a love and understanding of the care and attention needed to give these animals a second chance in life.”

Once operational, WSPCA will be delighted to invite volunteers to join our staff and get involved in animal care. This is something the public have been interested in for years. It is a very exciting time for our society. All volunteers must be over 16 years of age.

The WSPCA is now calling on the public for support to complete the fit-out of the centre. While significant progress has been made, additional funding and ongoing community support will be essential to ensure the centre can operate sustainably once it opens.

Donations of essential items are also needed, including plastic dog beds, clipboards for kennels and cat enclosures, litter trays, and hygiene equipment.

Local businesses, corporate partners, and skilled tradespeople — particularly plumbers and painters — are encouraged to get involved.

A closing remark from Brigid thanking everyone who has supported us in the last month’s Fundraising initiatives include:

Sponsor a Paw (€10)
Sponsor a Kennel (€250), with donor recognition.

For over a century and a half, the WSPCA has been committed to protecting animals in County Wexford. This new rescue centre represents hope — a place where animals can heal, and second chances begin.