Northern Ireland is facing a five-pronged pet crisis as puppy famers continue to prey on the public with sick and drying pups ready for their evil Christmas trade.
The annual winter warning from charities about the pitfalls of buying at pet at Christmas has become as traditional as the turkey on the table, but every year the warnings go unheeded by thousands.
And every new year the crisis builds again, but in 2023, most of Northern Ireland's rescue teams will be beyond breaking point, with space and finances unable to stretch any further and rescues fearing animals will be dumped like never before.
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They say:
- Animal rescues full to capacity
- Vets being asked to put healthy dogs to sleep as 'unwanted'
- Lockdown dogs being abandoned every day
- Animal lovers are giving up their pets because they can't afford food or healthcare, and
- Puppy famers continue to ply their evil trade.
At Bright Eyes Animal Sanctuary in Co Fermanagh, their kennels are full, but still more dogs keep appearing at their gate.
Diane McGovern from the charity said: "It has been bad for years but we really fear this new year, we fear how we will cope and how others will too.
"The public are getting desperate now, others are still booking pups with puppy farmers and lock down dogs are being handed in at a rate, all of them aged between one and three years old and few of them with any training and most suffering separation anxiety.
"We are looking to 2023 in dread as the biggest crisis this country's pets has suffered and what we are doing is asking people to adopt this year and next, because every rescue dog needs a home and there's a home suitable for every dog.
"Puppies, old dogs and adolescents, we have them all. And we have proof that dog adoption is every bit as good, if not better than buying a pup from a stranger."
Marie McGourty and her Aidan fostered and then adopted an abandoned Beagle mixfrom Bright Eyes earlier this year and have not looked back.
Marie said: "We can’t say enough good things about the team in Bright Eyes and the amazing work they do. We recently adopted a Lily and had such a lovely experience with the guys in Bright Eyes that we would recomend them to everyone.
"We contacted the Instagram page one evening after seeing a video of Lily; Diane McGovern called us the next morning and by that afternoon she had called out to see us and completed the house check.
"They then arranged a time and date that would suit us best to go meet Lily in person. We called in to the rescue and they went over Lily’s history with us, described her temperament and allowed us to take her for a walk - and also to give us some space to discuss whether we would like to adopt her.
"As Lily had such a tough time before she came to Bright Eyes we wanted to make sure Lily was happy with us - and that it was the right home for her - before we officially adopted her, so Bright Eyes suggested that we take her home for a trial with no commitment, just to see how she got on.
The team at Bright Eyes were so supportive for those first few weeks, Diane was always on hand for advice and feedback, and even put us in touch with a local dog trainer, Joanne Burns, so we could see about socialising Lily with other dogs.
"Lily has come on leaps and bounds since we’ve had her and is just the happiest, friendliest little thing, and so full of love and affection.
"Bright Eyes were, and continue to be, such a great support, and we honestly are in awe of all the work they do. They really put their heart and soul into everything they do, and they care so deeply about all the animals that come through the door.
"They are such amazing advocates for all these animals and ensure they give them all the best possible homes and fresh starts. We are so happy to have been able to meet the team and learn about all the work they do, and absolutely delighted that they allowed Lilyto join our home and enhance our lives. Adopting a dog has been hugely rewarding. Ourselves and Lily are looking forward to a wonderful journey together and she enriches our world every day."
This week the USPCA and Department for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) back the adoption message.
USPCA Animal Care and Rehoming Manager Deirdre McArdle, said: “The USPCA has already seen a 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, and they do not come with a gift receipt.”
And they too are warning the public to steer clear of the puppy trade this Christmas and to avoid these illegal breeders at all costs.
Animal Care and Rehoming Manager at the USPCA has warned “Illegal breeders are motivated by one thing and one thing only – greed – they have no concerns for the welfare of your potential pup.
"The conditions in which these pups are raised are appalling, from overbred bitches, used and abused for profit, to the cramped and disease-ridden enclosures.
"No matter the temptation, please do not engage with these individuals. The message is out there, but we now need the public to take heed – we all have a vital role to play in helping end this horrific practice, otherwise it will remain a vicious cycle of cruelty and suffering."
The USPCA say you should try protect yourself from the callous actions of puppy farmers by considering,
- Rehoming a pet from a local animal rescue
- Seeing a puppy with its mother and litter
- Do not buying a pet from a car boot, back of a van, market stall
- Never agreeing to the suggestion of a ‘helpful’ meeting point such as a car park, and
- Asking if the person is a registered commercial breeder, if so record the number from the Local Council Registration document.
A DAERA spokesperson added “It is incredibly important that people fully appreciate the commitment involved in taking on a new pet in their household. Careful consideration is required to ensure you can adequately meet all an animal’s needs. Guidance on how to care for a pet is available on NI Direct.
"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 five years in prison.
"Under the Paws for Thought campaign, DAERA, councils and PSNI work together to detect, investigate, and prosecute criminals involved in the illegal breeding and trafficking of low welfare pups.
"Anyone who has information on illegal breeding, abandonment of pets or suffering being caused to pets should contact their local council animal welfare officer."
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