It’s all too easy to get caught up in the excitement of Christmas and buy a pet for a loved one. But over the years numerous animal shelters and charities have been pleading with consumers to avoid going down this route as so many of these furry and cuddly gifts will be looking for new owners come the New Year.
In December of 2009, 432 cats and 281 dogs were taken into 16 of the RSPCA’s branch run animal centres. This figure is staggering considering it doesn’t take into account the other 34 RSPCA branch run animal centres and they aren’t expecting these figures to decrease in 2010.
Andrew Lyons, corporate partnerships manager from the RSPCA, says: “It is incredible and very sad that so many people continue to ignore our advice when it comes to buying pets as gifts. While owning a pet can be extremely rewarding it is also incredibly hard work. Once the snow has melted and the turkey leftovers have been eaten, the novelty of taking your dog out for a walk and clearing up his mess can soon wear off, especially when it starts to rain and the kids go back to school.”
Andrew added: “We do not want to discourage people form experiencing the joys of owning a pet but our advice is to seriously consider this decision which can be life changing. If you are keen to get a cat or a dog, the New Year may be a good time to consider it when the romantic backdrop of roaring fires and twinkling fairy lights is fading. You may even want to consider rehoming an animal which can be incredibly gratifying.”
Thornside pet insurance which administers RSPCA’s pet insurance through the Petwise brand has joined forces with the RSPCA to ensure this message is communicated far and wide to the British public in 2011.
David Seel, managing director of Thornside, comments: “Our line of work is to protect both pet owners and their pets and no-one can argue that the animal’s wellbeing is paramount. We are keen to support the RSPCA in educating people about pet ownership and we hope this message will be taken on board for the sake of all involved.”
Key advice for responsible pet ownership
- Understand that every animal is different and their needs vary
- Owning a pet is a big responsibility and a long-term commitment. Bring a pet into your home only if you’ve considered all eventualities
- Be aware of the importance of pet insurance. The RSPCA recommends pet insurance as an integral part of responsible pet ownership
- It is up to each individual how they look after their pets, but reasonable steps must be taken to ensure that their needs are met. If you own or are responsible for an animal, even on a temporary basis, you are required by law to care for it properly
- Carefully consider the five welfare needs which are key to owning a happy pet: environment, diet, behaviour, company, health and welfare.
Case Study
"English Bull Terrier Charlie came to RSPCA Blackberry Farm as a cruelty case - his previous owner starved him and tied him to a kitchen work top. But despite this bad start in life, two-year-old Charlie is a wonderful addition to the Wylie family. Dad Brian spotted Charlie on a rehoming site and soon convinced wife Wyn that they weren’t too old to take on such a responsibility.
Now Charlie the Cheeky Chappy, as he is affectionately known, spends his days walking, playing football, racing round the garden, going to cafes and visiting the weekly market, where he might encounter a treat or two.
The Wylies have made a few trips back to Blackberry Farm, initially for some training for Charlie, and later to see the staff that looked after him so well during a tough time in his life.
“He’s had a few health problems, such as bad teeth and a bit of scurvy, but between RSPCA care and a few trips to the vet, he’s come through smiling,” said Brian.
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Capita Insurance Distribution, part of Capita Insurance Services, is the fifth largest UK personal lines insurance intermediary and third party administrator specialising in personal lines solutions for affinity clients. Capita Insurance Distribution employs over 1000 staff (based in Portsmouth, Colchester and St Ives in Cambridge) and administers around £200m of personal lines gross written insurance premium. It works with 49 insurance companies in the UK personal lines market place, and currently maintains different product sites for 82 household brands such as Asda, Liverpool Victoria and Admiral. Further information can be found at www.capitainsuranceservices.co.uk
Thornside, the pet insurance division of Capita Insurance Distribution, administers more than 35 Pet Schemes for affinity Partners and insures approximately 300,000 dogs and cats in the UK through its Petwise product; including schemes for Home Retail Group, Halifax Bank, esure, Sainsbury’s, RSPCA, Greenbee, AA, Asda and Debenhams. Further information can be found at www.petwise-insurance.co.uk
The Capita Group Plc is the UK’s leading provider of BPO and integrated professional support service solutions. With 36,800 people at more than 250 sites, including 60 business centres across the UK, Ireland, the Channel Islands and India, the Group uses its expertise, infrastructure and scale benefits to transform its clients’ services, driving down costs and adding value. Capita is quoted on the London Stock Exchange (CPI.L), and is a constituent of the FTSE100 with revenues for 2009 of £2,687 million. Further information on The Capita Group Plc can be found at: www.capita.co.uk