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Shocking rise in pets given as presents
Pets as presents
PDSA is urging people to avoid giving pets as Christmas presents.
18-24 year olds twice as likely to receive pets as gifts

There has been a 50 per cent rise in the number of people receiving pets as presents, a PDSA report has revealed.

Findings from the charity's annual PAW Report show that a staggering 1.3 million people have taken on new animals at Christmas with little or no research into what they need to lead healthy, happy lives. In turn this this can lead to stressed, lonely, obese or aggressive pets, say the PDSA.

Furthermore, the report found that 18-24 year olds were twice as likely to have received a pet as a gift compared to any other age group.

Commenting on the worrying findings, Nicola Martin, PDSA head of pet health and welfare, said: “PDSA is urging people to think long and hard before giving a pet as a gift. Our research reflects the nation’s love of pets, but receiving one out of the blue means the recipient is unlikely to be prepared for the commitment they will need to make for the lifetime of that animal.

"Pets become valued and much loved family members but they are a big responsibility. The novelty can quickly wear off if the owner is not fully committed, leading to pets having their welfare needs neglected or even in some cases being abandoned.”  

Nicola added: “Many people lead busy lifestyles; and impulse acquisitions mean that some people can be totally unprepared for the responsibility that owning a happy, healthy pet entails. Alongside this, the financial cost of owning a pet is often vastly underestimated, with far more to consider than just the initial purchase price.

"A cat, for example, can cost £17,000 over its lifetime, excluding unexpected vet fees for illness or injury. So it is vital that anyone considering taking on a pet spends time researching and choosing the right pet for their lifestyle, as well as considering the costs and time required to properly care for their new family member.” 

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Cold-water dip to raise funds for Vetlife

News Story 1
 The veterinary mental health charity Vetlife is inviting the veterinary community to join it for a sponsored cold-water dip.

The event will take place at Walpole Bay, Margate, on 17 May during Mental Health Awareness Week. Participants of all abilities can join in the challenge and are advised to bring a towel, a hot drink, a snack, and warm clothes to get changed into afterwards.

Those taking part are being asked to try to raise £100 each to support the work of the charity.

Details about how to take part can be found here. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Bluetongue low vector period ends

In an update to its bluetongue guidance, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has announced that the seasonal low vector period for the disease has ended.

With winter over, Defra is planning for a possible increase in cases as midges become more active. It has warned that farms along the east coast of England from Norfolk to Kent, and along the south coast from Kent to Devon, are at highest risk from infected midges blown over from northern Europe.

Since the virus was detected in England in November 2023, there have been 126 confirmed cases. The most recent case to be confirmed was on 1 March 2024.

Farmers are asked to continue to frequently monitor their livestock and ensure their animals and land are registered with the Animal and Plant Health Agency.