Pets aren’t just for Christmas.
Are we too quick to abandon pets around Christmas?
Studies and statistics taken from the RSPCA show that roughly six-hundred pets are abandoned soon after Christmas (three every hour) or around the Christmas holiday. This could be because animal giving is a very popular gift idea, and why wouldn’t it be? Pets can be cute and protective, whilst proving to be useful.
From the common house cat to the snake you curl up with at night; animals are beloved by all and if you don’t love one kind, there are millions of other species, each varying in shape, colour, size and personality.
So if animals are so popular why are so many of them abandoned around the same time? There are in fact, many answers to this question: One reason is because as times change more and more products are becoming technological in one way or another. This means that items that used to vary in terms of what they do, have merged to serve the same purpose due to competitiveness and companies constantly trying to “one-up” each other, as this continues customers have realised that most products are the same and that there are less variety so animals are seen as a way to either: give a gift that is different to what people already have, teach children discipline or they’re used to make Christmas more “interesting” and are given back the week after.
Unfortunately, like most New-Years promises the willpower can only last for so long until being addicted to the internet or a severe lack of discipline isn’t ‘So bad’ And when this happens the pet is torn apart from its’ fleeting taste of luxury and sent back to whence it came.
Moreover, around Christmas time the RSPCA have asked people to think through whether getting a dog is the best decision based on these three questions:
1) Can you afford it?
Buying a dog can be either the cutest or romantic gift a person can give, but after the Christmas bliss wears off people usually find that having a dog is a lot more expensive then they first anticipated.
2) Will you be able to spend time with it?
Depending on the animal, it is important to spend time with the chosen pet. Not just to play with either. For example; a dog, for instance, must be walked several times a week, played with and fed. Although, this sounds easy in theory, it’s actually quite a large amount of responsibility.
3) Do you live in a safe area for the pet?
Although, you may generally want a pet, it is important to consider the pet itself and being conscious of your surrounding before-hand is a great way to start.
The Spokesperson for the RSPCA has said that: ‘Christmas is one of our busiest times for pet abandonments… Many people are breeding Staffies (and other animals) because they think that it is a good way to make a few hundred pounds at Christmas time’ In conclusion, both the RSPCA and I urge you to contemplate whether you are fit to own a pet before you buy/adopt one. And please remember;
PETS AREN’T JUST FOR CHRISTMAS.
So with that in mind, take care have a Merry Christmas and a happy New Year!
