Public Urged to Think Before Getting a Pet This Christmas

Public urged to think before getting a pet this Christmas

DAERA Minister Andrew Muir and the Northern Ireland Companion Animal Welfare Group (NICAWG) are urging the public to think carefully before getting a pet this Christmas.

With Christmas approaching, DAERA has teamed up with the NICAWG to appeal to the public to think very carefully before choosing a pet as a present for a loved one.

Hundreds of animals in Northern Ireland end up in rescue organisations every year following the festive season, when the novelty of receiving a pet for Christmas has worn off.

Minister Muir said: “Whilst I know people have good intentions getting a new pet for Christmas, unfortunately, if careful consideration has not been given as to the long-term implications and responsibility of owning a pet, many of these animals end up in rehoming organisations.

“Advice on how to care for a range of pets is available on NI Direct and prospective owners should first make themselves aware of the responsibilities that come with properly caring for an animal before deciding if they can fulfil its needs."

Minister Muir added: “I would also remind people of the invaluable work that animal welfare establishments represented in NICAWG undertake and would ask the public once they have given careful consideration to owning a pet, to consider adopting from Animal Welfare and Rehoming organisations rather than going out to buy a pet. Animal welfare establishments are struggling with the huge number of unwanted pets which have been surrendered to the charities, and rehoming means you can play your part in giving a pet its forever home.”

Nora Smith, Chairperson of NICAWG, stated on behalf of the Group: “During the festive season, as we plan our Christmas celebrations and gifts, it can be very tempting to welcome a pet to your family. Whilst we understand the intent behind this gesture, we are cautioning that pet ownership is a big decision and as such, animals should not be given as surprises or exchanged like a commodity on Christmas Day.

“Pets are a commitment. Often people do not realise how big a commitment they are. They do not belong under a Christmas tree. Undoubtedly, pets can have such a wonderful impact on our lives through much love and companionship. But before any decisions are made, we are urging the public to give careful consideration to what responsible pet ownership involves and if they can fulfil their pet’s needs and give them a happy and healthy life.

“Therefore, our advice is wait until after the Christmas holidays have passed to provide the time and space required to welcome a new pet into your home. Please do your research in advance, to fully understand the commitment that is involved. There is potential with some of our organisations to reserve an animal before Christmas to be rehomed once all the festivities are over. Please do not buy a pet for Christmas. Your animal companion’s love is a gift, but it is not just for Christmas. Sadly, every year, countless animals who were given as presents are abandoned after the festivities often just a few days into the new year.”

Once careful consideration has been given to owning a pet, NICAWG and DAERA are encouraging prospective pet owners to adopt rather than buy as there are thousands of animals in Animal Welfare charities in desperate need of a second chance.

Notes to editors:

1. Photo caption: Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Minister Andrew Muir is pictured with members of the Northern Ireland Companion Animal Welfare Group.
2. It is a criminal offence to leave an animal unattended and to fail to care for it properly. Owners could face prosecution for abandonment and imprisonment for up to six months, and/or a fine of up to £5,000. If a pet animal suffers because of abandonment, then owners could be prosecuted for animal welfare offences and face even tougher penalties of up to five years in prison.
3. More information on how to care for a pet is available at: NI Direct Animal Welfare and Pets.
4. Under the Paws for Thought campaign, DAERA, councils, PSNI, HMRC and ferry companies work together to detect, investigate, and prosecute criminals involved in the illegal breeding and trafficking of low welfare pups. Prospective owners should ensure they do not inadvertently support this cruel trade as these illegally bred pups are kept in abhorrent conditions and suffer terribly with a range of health conditions. The criminals involved in breeding these pups in such conditions are only interested in the profit they can achieve and many of the pups suffer serious medical complications or even die shortly after people take ownership of them.
5. Anyone who has information on illegal breeding, abandonment of pets or suffering being caused to pets should contact their local council animal welfare officer. Contact details on NI Direct. Animal welfare - local councils | nidirect.
6. NICAWG was formed in 2019, and its membership comprises of Assisi Animal Sanctuary, Cats Protection, Causeway Coast Dog Rescue, Dogs Trust, Mid Antrim Animal Sanctuary, PDSA, Rainbow Rehoming Centre for Rescue Cats and Dogs, Rosie’s Trust and USPCA.
7. Follow DAERA on Twitter and Facebook.
8. All media queries should be directed to the DAERA Press Office at: pressoffice.group@daera-ni.gov.uk.
9. The Executive Information Service operates an out of hours service for media enquiries only between 1800hrs and 0800hrs Monday to Friday and at weekends and public holidays. The duty press officer can be contacted on 028 9037 8110.