Every year the RSPCA have to deal with numerous cases of animal cruelty that arise due to people having received unwanted pets as gifts. If you are considering giving a pet to someone for christmas, check first! Make certain that the recipient is prepared for the responsibility of looking after a pet.
Too many people treat pets as objects, like a TV set or a toy. Caring for an animal is a reponsibility and those who keep pets need to be certain that they are willing to meet those responsibilies which will include routine visits to the vet and potentially expensive vets bills. Many people have an unrealistic, sentimental view of pet ownership and what is involved. As soon as that kitten starts to scratch the furniture or the new puppy barks every time a door slams, things can suddenly become too much and the poor animal may find itself thoughtlessly dumped.
Cases that the RSPCA have dealt with include:
- A Shitzu dog stuffed into a concrete pipe inside a black bin bag;
- A litter of puppies left in a garden shed on Christmas Eve;
- Pet rats abandoned in a park;
- A Terrapin let lose on a beach;
- Kittens in a carrier bag thrown into a skip on Boxing day.
If you were considering giving a pet this Christmas please think again:
- Does the person to whom I’m giving this pet actually know how to look after it?
- Are they (or their parents) prepared for the expense involved in looking after a pet?
- Are the people they live with happy to have a pet in the house?
If you have any doubt over any of these questions – don’t give a pet! There are plenty of alternative gift ideas that will not result in the misery, pain and upset that can be caused by giving a pet that is not really wanted. You could save the life of an animal this Christmas by giving something else…
Here are few useful pet-related links:
RSPCA:
PDSA:
Grove Lodge Veterinary Surgery and Animal Hospital providing 24 hour emergency animal care throughout Sussex.
