About ASH

ASH Animal Rescue is a family run non-profit organisation and is based in Rathdangan, Co.Wicklow.

ASH Animal Rescue s a family run non-profit organisation, founded in 1990 by Remi and Helena La Mahieu in Rathdangan, County Wicklow. It began as a heartfelt mission to provide refuge for abandoned and unwanted animals, including dogs, cats, and other creatures in need. Over the years, the rescue has grown into a sanctuary that has saved countless animals from dire circumstances, offering them care, rehabilitation, and the hope of finding loving forever homes.

Remi and Helena dedicated 35 years to this noble cause before retiring in 2025, passing the reins to their daughter Eva and granddaughter Sophie, who continue the legacy with the same passion and commitment.

ASH Animal Rescue relies heavily on donations, volunteers, and public support to sustain its operations. It has become a cornerstone of animal welfare in Ireland, embodying compassion and resilience in the face of challenges.

About Eva & Sophie

Eva has worked in animal rescue all her adult life. Together with her parents, she played an instrumental role in building and expanding ASH Animal Rescue into the impactful organization it is today.

Sophie, Eva's daughter, grew up immersed in the world of animal rescue at ASH. From a very young age, she developed a profound connection with animals and has been working alongside her family for as long as she can remember. 

Together, Eva and Sophie form an inspiring team. They are incredibly proud to represent the second and third generations of their family to lead and nurture ASH Animal Rescue.

No Kill Policy

It is our aim to re-home all the animals that we take in. Sadly this isn’t always the case and sometimes we won’t ever succeed in rehoming. We have a strict NO-KILL policy and take this very seriously.   Any animals that can’t be rehomed for whatever reason will become permanent members of our ASH family and we will care for them for the rest of their lives.   We can’t stress enough that this is not an invitation to offer/bring us dogs that are not suitable for homing.   We’ve survived until now on the generosity of friends, donors, volunteers and sponsors but right now we, like everyone else are very seriously struggling to keep our head above water and care for the animals that are already in our care.

 

Our dogs

Our dog population is made up of 4 groups;

  • ​Puppies
  • Adult Dogs
  • Adult dogs (booked/in a home but on our waiting list and destined to come here)
  • Permanent residents

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Our puppies: We always have pups in ASH.   They are always so very cute, bags of fun and always bring a little smile to our faces when we see them.   Our pups can vary in age from newly born (because mummy came in pregnant) or because they were orphaned at a very young age.   We do have to insist that pups go to homes on the absolute guarantee that they will be neutered/spayed when they are ready.

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Adult Dogs: We usually have 40-60 adult dogs hoping for a home.  They come to us under a variety of circumstances and these poor dogs usually end up here because owners have had to leave the country, lost their jobs and cant afford to keep them.  Sometimes families have had babies and the dog has lost their slot in the family unit and they feel they are best suited to someone who can give them the attention they need.  Some are found straying, abandoned and neglected others are just left on our doorstep.  98% are suitable for rehoming and just need their second chance.  We’ve got tall dogs, small dogs, happy dogs, yappy dogs, fat dogs, skinny dogs, slow dogs, fast dogs, scruffy dogs and even posh dogs … the list goes on.   All are suitable for the right home and all are hoping every day their chance will come.    We hope we can make that happen for them!

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Adult Dogs (booked/in a home): These are a mixture of dogs in our care that have been chosen by owners but are still here dying to join their new families but sometimes the home check hasn’t been done yet or the dog still has to be neutered or spayed or there might be a few health issues that need to be addressed before they are 100% ready.   Lately we have had requests from concerned members of the public who have thankfully held on to a dog but given their own circumstances they can’t hold on to them for long usually.  If we can rehome these dogs at least the dog will never have to enter the rescue centre situation.  Our priority rests with those that are in our care and are in a rescue centre situation.

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Permanent residents: We have about 16 – 20 permanent residents that are considered to be no longer on the homing list, either because they are too old, not in good health, have a difficult temperament or simply have been here too long.   We will be caring for these animals for the rest of their lives and all of these are up for sponsorship.  Many of these animals are lucky enough to get walks and visits with their very own best friend and sponsor.  It’s great for them and gives us a bit of a boost knowing someone else is thinking of them too.

 

Other animals

We have also taken in and rehomed a small numbers of rabbits, guinea pigs, and other small mammals. We currently have foxes, donkeys, goats, pigs, sheep, and ducks as permanent residents – all have their own special quarters.

 

Animal Welfare Grant

Ash Animal Rescue would like to sincerely thank the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, for the continuous support and allocation of public funds to our organisation. We are very grateful to have received €64,250 in 2024. The Animal Welfare Grant assists Ash Animal Rescue in its continued services for Animal Welfare in Ireland.

Ash Animal Rescue will continue to need the support of the general public to maintain operations at an effective level and would appeal to the public to continue to give their support in any way they can when required.