RSPCA is urging people to think seriously about the responsibity that comes with owning a pet. Over 2500 dogs and 1300 cats have been dumped in the lead up to Xmas holidays. Many people don't realise that the cost of buying a pet is small compared with the cost of keeping a pet, and that owning a pet is a life long choice.
Pets for life
22 Dec 10 @ 08:29am by Carin Pickworth
BRIDGEMAN DOWNS: Pets are for life, not just for Christmas. This is the message from the RSPCA, struggling to cope with a dramatic jump in the number of pets dumped in the lead-up to Christmas.
More than 2500 dogs and 1300 cats, many of whose owners have simply not made accommodation plans for them, have already been dumped at animal shelters across Queensland in the past two months.
Puppies and kittens often feature as long-awaited Christmas gifts in households across the country, but the RSPCA warned families to think about whether they could handle the long-term care required.
RSPCA’s acting communications director Anna Hartley said the dumpings were expected to increase over the Christmas holidays.
``Please remember that owning a pet is a long-term commitment that comes with emotional and financial responsibility,’’ Ms Hartley said.
``Adopting or purchasing a pet is the most inexpensive part of owning a pet.
``It’s the pet food, council registration fee, obedience training, boarding kennels or cattery if you go away, routine visits to the vet and flea treatments that add up.
``Consider these costs over a 10 to 15-year period and be prepared for more.’‘
Bridgeman Downs resident Miyerla Pereira adopted 3-year-old miniature fox terrier-chihuahua cross Jogy from the RSPCA’s Fairfield shelter last month.
Ms Pereira decided to adopt a family pet after her husband Lester was forced to give up two dogs to the RSPCA several years ago.
``They told me that if they did not find a home for the dogs, they are put down,’’ Ms Pereira said.
``But if you are going to get a dog, I tell people they have to have a plan about looking after them. They are more than an animal, they are like a child.’’
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