Family appeal over pet presents

FAMILIES with unwanted Christmas present pets should seek advice before making any decision not to keep them, according to the Dublin Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (DSPCA).

Despite appeals to parents to consider that puppies and kittens are for life and not just for Christmas, hundreds of homes become burdened with pets as presents at this time of year.

Animal shelters have not yet experienced any large number of dogs or cats being brought to them after the festive season.

But Lorna Swift of the DSPCA said they often receive many unwanted pets after children have returned to school in January.

“That’s the point when parents realise the attention and care they need, and decide to give them away,” she said.

“Or sometimes it’s as late as the next summer, when the animals are six months old or more, that families bring them in to us,” she said.

The DSPCA animal shelter in Rathfarnham mostly provides refuge for dogs, cats and reptiles.

Dozens of other such facilities - run by similar societies, local authorities and growing numbers of voluntary organisations - also handle hundreds of unwanted, abandoned or abused pets every year.

An estimated 35,000 dogs are put down each year in Ireland.

However, Ms Swift suggested families should ring the DSPCA or their local society for advice before deciding they can no longer provide a proper home.

“We can go through things with them, and often just having somebody to talk to about their difficulties can make life a bit easier for people in that situation,” Ms Swift said.

“If you have taken on a pet but want to get rid of it, it is your responsibility for its re-housing. But you should consider advertising for a good home. We’re not the only places to bring unwanted animals,” she added.