The cost of living crisis has now resulted in a leading animal charity receiving a record number of applications from owners who want to surrender their pets.
As a result of receiving a whopping 848 applications from owners wanting to surrender their pets, the DSPCA is now calling on pet owners to re-consider before abandoning or surrendering their pet given the large numbers which are causing a crisis in the animal rescue sector.
Part of the problem is being caused by the cost of living crisis but also owners not wanting to deal with unwanted behaviours in their pets due to lack of training and socialisation is a factor.
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Ignoring illness and medical issues for fear of veterinary costs is also seeing hundreds of owners preferring to surrender their pets than pay for treatment.
With over breeding and demand for pets also subsiding post Covid, animal rescue charities are under immense pressure.
Suzanne McGovern Corporate Relations Manager for the DSPCA said “Our intake of animals has never been so high.
“For the most part it’s dog’s cats and rabbits. Our kennels are now full and we have had to build extra space for the growing amount of rabbits and small animals.
“It’s hard for us to describe how traumatic it can be for an animal that has just been surrendered by their owner or unclaimed. We hear their crying and it’s terribly upsetting to see them so scared, confused and wondering if their owner will ever come back for them.
“People can come up against hard times and we understand that but you owe it to your pets to do everything in your power to keep them with you. We are here to help and can advise on the best solution so reach out and get in touch."
DSPCA sponsor Lottoland’s VP of Corporate Affairs Laura Pearson said “The DSPCA are an amazing charity helping thousands of vulnerable animals every year and they deserve every bit of recognition and help they can get. We hope people can take note of their experienced advice and we’re are so happy to be a charity partner of theirs and provide some assistance with proceeds from our website Lottoland with proceeds going to both this great charity and the Irish Red Cross.”
As a result of the ongoing crisis in the numbers of pets being surrendered the DSPCA have developed 9 Commandments of Responsible Pet Ownership and are encouraging prospective pet owners to consider them before committing to getting a pet:
EDUCATE YOURSELF AND YOUR FAMILY LONG AND HARD BEFORE YOU MAKE THE DECISION TO GET A PET.
CAN YOU INVEST IN YOUR PET’S BASIC NEEDS – BALANCED DIET, EXERCISE, COMFORTS AND COMPANIONSHIP
COMMIT AND TAKE THE TIME TO PROPERLY TRAIN AND MOST IMPORTANTLY SOCIALISE YOUR PET WITH OTHER ANIMALS, PEOPLE AND PLACES
YOU ESTABLISH A ROUTINE EARLY ON WITH YOUR PET AND ONE YOU STICK TOO.
YOU ENRICH YOUR PET’S ENVIRONMENT AND RESEARCH WHAT IS BEST FOR THEIR MENTAL STIMULATION WHICH IS EQUALLY AS IMPORTANT AS PHYSICAL EXCERSIZE
YOU WILL CARE ABOUT YOUR PET’S HEALTH AND ARE INTUNE WITH IT. TAKE OUT PET INSURANCE & SCHEDULE REGULAR VET VISITS AND CHECK UPS.
PREPARE AND PLAN FOR EMERGENCIES AND CHANGES IN LIFESTYLE
RESPECT YOUR PET’S SPACE, ENVIRONMENT AND PROVIDE BOUNDARIES IF REQUIRED
CAN YOU PROVIDE YOUR PET WITH DAILY ATTENTION, INCLUDE THEM IN YOUR LIFE AND CARVE OUT TIME TO SPEND WITH THEM EVERYDAY
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