About Us

Who are the Animal Trust Fund?

logoThe Animal Trust Fund (ATF) registered charity no. 6323, Co. Waterford, helps animals across Ireland. It was originally started to help rescue horses after World War II and in 1978 the first “Deed of Trust” was drawn up with the objectives of rescuing horses and other animals in need.

Department of Agriculture Welfare Grant
The ATF acknowledges with sincere thanks the Department of Agriculture Welfare Grant of €15,200 in December 2022.
The Trustees of the ATF express their gratitude to Minister McConalogue and his department for this recognition of our work in promoting animal welfare, and of the ongoing challenges that we face in fundraising in the aftermath of the Covid pandemic. The grant will enable us to continue our work of helping animals in need.

Many organisations and individuals work tirelessly to alleviate animal suffering, and they rightly attract public support. However there will always be cases of animal cruelty or distress which do not come to the attention of the larger charities, and people who do not work easily or effectively under the umbrella of established groups. This is where the ATF steps in.

Since it began the fund has been used to help all kinds of animals which come to our notice through the efforts of individual welfare workers, groups and charities. Help is mainly given to individuals and smaller groups, but exceptions may be made if a charity shows evidence of exceptionally hard work, initiative and dedication in what are increasingly difficult times for animal welfare. Read about some of our animals…

ATF are proud to have a long running connection with the Animal Hospital in Tallaght.

See some more useful links to other Irish animal welfare groups here.

If you would like to find out what the laws are regarding animals in Ireland, be sure to study them here : Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013

The Animal Trust Fund made its annual award to a dedicated animal rescuer and carer for animals, Mrs Maureen Scanlon of Gurteen, Co. Sligo. The event took place at Markree Castle and two of the Trustees, Robert Nicholson and Olive McKinley, made the presentation to Maureen. Read more…