Dogs Trust says No to Christmas Present Pups
The Dogs Trust has launched its 'Ho No No!" campaign to take puppies off the Christmas wish list.
Research from the charity reveals that over a third of children have asked for a puppy as a present and worryingly 16% of parents would buy one if their child put it on their list.
Not only does this risk the welfare of the animal - many puppies often become the victims of 'festive fatigue', when their novelty wears off after the Christmas season and it is left to charities to rescue those who are inevitably abandoned - but it also encourages buying puppies from disreputable sources such as pet shops and the internet.
Dogs Trust believe that part of the reason puppies are considered suitable presents is due to the fact they are sold so easily. Despite pleas not to get a puppy from a pet shop - where they are often sourced from puppy farms and kept in unhealthy, harmful conditions - over one third of parents would still search in pet shops, 18% find one online and 9% look through newspaper adverts.
Dogs Trust Chief Executive, Clarissa Baldwin OBE said: "For over 33 years we have been saying that 'A Dog is for Life, Not Just for Christmas,' yet it is so worrying that so many children and their parents still consider a puppy as a suitable present and want to pop a pooch under the Christmas tree."
She added: "Dogs are not disposable 'gifts', they are living creatures who deserve a home for life. So, this year, as every year, we are asking the public to think about the responsibilities involved in owning a dog."
To get involved in the campaign, click here.
Two independent vets have launched a podcast to help owners strengthen their bond with pets. Dr Maggie Roberts and Dr Vanessa Howie, who have worked in both veterinary practice and major charities, are keen to use their experience to enable people to give pets a better life.
