Pets Do Not Belong Under the Christmas Tree – USPCA
Northern Ireland animal welfare charity, the USPCA, is urging the public to not treat animals as commodities this Christmas.
Christmas can be such a wonderful time of year as we take a step back to relax and connect with our family and friends.
Making it all the more magical, very often there can be the temptation to add a furry friend to the family as a Christmas gift.
Whilst this gesture may have all the right intentions the USPCA is asking the public to be mindful that pets are not objects to be exchanged under the Christmas tree or given to someone as a surprise.
Every animal has its own set of intricate needs and they deserve a home that has given extensive consideration to this.
From feeding, grooming and exercising, to healthcare requirements and giving them the love and attention they rightly deserve – there are many areas needing thorough discussion.
USPCA Chief Executive, Brendan Mullan, says, “Unfortunately, year on year, we see a similar pattern in demand for puppies and other animals during the festive season.
“We understand companion animals can greatly enrich our lives but please do your homework and research the ins and outs of them beforehand.
“It is completely unacceptable to take in a pet on an impulse – you need to ensure that the animal will receive the same care and attention as it did on day one.
“They love their owners unconditionally and you have a duty to reciprocate that,” adds Brendan.
The USPCA is also warning the public to be vigilant against the horrors of the cruel puppy trade this Christmas and to not engage with illegal breeders.
Brendan comments, “Since March there has been unprecedented demand for puppies as people found they had much more time on their hands.
“Unfortunately, this not only underpins our concerns around the public’s understanding of puppies being a lifetime decision but has also fed into the trade of unregistered illegal puppy farmers and dog dealers.
“They are capitalising on this demand and are exploiting the public with puppies reared in terrible conditions, with their only interest being the lining of their pockets.
“We are gravely disturbed at the conditions in which many of these dogs are bred.
“From overbred *******, to cramped and disease-ridden enclosures, there is a blatant disregard for animal welfare.
“We need the public to avoid these individuals at all costs,” insists Brendan.
Very often legitimate breeders will closely assess your suitability to the puppy’s requirements.
The USPCA has also highlighted how illegal breeders are taking advantage of the Covid-19 pandemic to avoid thorough checks of the pups and the environment they were reared in.
To protect yourself against the callous actions of such individuals, consider the following:
✓ Rehoming a pet from the USPCA or local animal rescue instead
✓ Always seeing a puppy with its mother and litter
✓ Not buying a pet from a car boot, the back of a van or a market stall
✓ Never agreeing to the suggestion of a ‘helpful’ meeting point
✓ Asking if the person is a registered commercial breeder. If so record the number from the Local Authority Registration document
✓ Enquiring about the pup’s health status including worming and parasites, inoculations etc. Get verifiable veterinary confirmation
✓ Obtaining a proper receipt
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