Northern Ireland charity, the USPCA, warns people ahead of Christmas that pets ‘do not come with a gift receipt’.
With Christmas fast approaching, a leading Northern Ireland charity has taken the opportunity to raise awareness around pet giving and receiving as Christmas presents.
The Northern Ireland charity warning people about giving pets as gifts for Christmas is the USPCA (Ulster Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals).
Northern Ireland charity warns pets don’t ‘come with gift receipt’ – think before you buy
The overall prevailing message from the USPCA is to think very carefully before buying a pet for Christmas and that it’s of paramount importance to do your research in advance, such as finding out if the person you plan on dealing with is an approved breeder.
They also advised people that it would be prudent to ask whether they are ready to have a pet and whether they have enough appropriate and adequate space to thrive in.
Finally, they urged people to adopt a needy animal from any of the rescue centres or many shelters across Northern Ireland who desperately deserve a second chance and a new home.
Some of these wonderful shelters include Almost Home in Moria, The Barn Animal Rescue in Newtownards, and Friends of Rescue in Derry.
Rise in surrendered animals – a sad statistic
Animal care and rehoming manager Deirdre McArdle said, “The USPCA has already seen a ‘sad rise’ in surrendered animals due to unforeseen circumstances. There has also been a notable increase in enquiries from people considering giving up their beloved pet due to the cost-of-living crisis.
“For the USPCA, every year, we see a Christmas demand for puppies and kittens, and our message is clearer than ever; please do not make this life-changing decision on a whim. An animal is not a toy or a present; it does not come with a gift receipt”.
A spokesperson from the Department for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs added, “The temptation to get a new pup at Christmas can be quite considerable.
“However, prospective owners should always make sure they are aware of the responsibilities which come with dog ownership – either by checking NI Direct or contacting their local council.
“It is a criminal offence to leave an animal unattended and to fail to care for it properly. Owners could face prosecution for abandonment and imprisonment for up to six months and/or a fine of up to £5,000.
“If a pet animal suffers because of abandonment, then owners could be prosecuted for animal welfare offences and face even tougher penalties of up to 5 years in prison”.
Important things to consider before getting a pet – the best precautions to take
For those wishing to get a pet, the USPCA have advised that people take some time to ensure that they have considered everything important to consider and taken all the best precautions when purchasing a pet safely and legally.
They advised people to always insist on seeing a puppy with its mother and litter and never to buy one from a car boot, stall or back of a van.
They also encouraged people to seek out and only deal with those who are registered commercial breeders and, when dealing with them, to ensure they record the number from the local council registration document.
