The Shame of Abandoned Pets
by Graham Peck, Republished May 2007
Introduction
Pets get abandoned, everybody knows it happens, unfortunately the subject is another victim of compassion fatigue and at best seems low down on the Richter scale of the world's awful problems. There is probably no simple answer other than to ask people to carefully think about the implications of taking on any pet large, small, cute, adorable or even novel.
This subject has been partly covered in the article, Pets - think before you buy one. But Christmas 2000 came, washed over us and retreated leaving another batch of abandoned pets sheltering in the hospital cages of Parkvets hospital. We've decided to highlight the stories of three of these unfortunates, hopefully to re-awake some concern in you. Maybe also to shame three sets of uncaring owners who took the easy way out and abandoned their pets.
Christie
Christie started off the season for us just before Christmas. She was found abandoned in a field beside a main road. Seriously ill with gross diarrhoea, hypothermic and barely conscious, few of us thought there was any hope for her. Fate was kind to her in the form of Anna one of our veterinary surgeons. She took a real shine to her and was determined that she was going to make it. A week of serious intensive-care and she had turned the corner, and has never looked back. What is to become of her? As if you hadn't guessed. Christie now has her own personal vet. Both parties are apparently disgustingly happy with the arrangement.
Ratsputin
Ratsputin was abandoned overnight during Christmas week in a cardboard box outside our Longfield surgery . He was so scared that he hadn't even tried to escape. Cold, hungry and probably confused, but despite these privations demonstrated a real people loving character. Over Christmas and the New Year he could be seen peeping out of various members of staff's pockets and tops. Happily he has found a new home with some ratty people we know. So he can now enjoy the pampered life he deserves.
Terry Terrapin
This magnificent chap was found by the edge of one of Chislehurst's ponds a few days before Christmas. Feisty, elegant and large perhaps too large for your average home tank. Great Christmas pressie for you Terry, your very own pond for the winter. Someone really demonstrated "the caring approach to pet ownership". Again a happy ending with those nice RSPCA people arranging a suitable new home for him.
Getting people to Think About It
While the tales of these three pets have a happy endings, it is not always the case.
Sadly many pets are taken on without proper consideration of the demands they will make. All too many will wind up in rescue centres hoping for better luck next time. New owners can misjudge the commitment they are making. Its down to the pet industry to ensure that potential owners are properly informed to minimise he number unwanted pets that result.
What I can't understand is the callous abandonment of vulnerable pets. To not even make effort to contact one of the many rescue charities or RSPCA to arrange re-homing of the unwanted pet must rate scumbag on anybody's scale. It really is the ultimate shirking of responsibility.
What to Do About It
It would a step forward if everyone involved in the sale or provision of pets undertook some or all of the following as part of a code of pet purchasing.
- Determine what level of knowledge and experience the potential owner has of the pet they are being supplied with.
- Provide literature for the people to read before hand that explains what taking on that type of pet will entail.
- Take time to explain the time, financial and physical demands that the pet will make.
- For some of the more demanding exotic pets perhaps require proof of membership of the appropriate club or society.
- Refuse the sale of pets to patently unsuitable persons especially children.
It would do no harm to make people demonstrate a level of commitment prior to purchase. If necessary returning after undertaking required reading and showing a basic understanding of their responsibilities. Buying or taking on pets shouldn't be an impulse decision.
OK it won't stop pets being abandoned but it might just help reduce the number of unwanted pets, especially around Christmas.
