Roscommon SPCA urges people not to give pets as presents this Christmas

Roscommon SPCA has asked people to not give pets as presents this Christmas.

Una Clay, of Roscommon SPCA, said that buyer’s regret is common all year but especially at Christmas.

“As we enter the festive season, we are appealing to everyone to please refrain from giving or acquiring animals as gifts. As the renown slogan rightly says: an animal is for life not just for Christmas. Pets do not have gift receipts,” she said.

“Unfortunately, it is all too easy to underestimate the time, energy and money required to properly care for our furry friend’s long term. And to forget that they chew, need patient toilet training and grow much larger than their original cute puppy or kitten phase. The festive season is entirely unsuitable for integrating a new fur baby, manic as it is in all households.” 

She added that Roscommon SPCA invariably ends up trying to cope with a post-Christmas wave of abandoned and surrendered pets “which is hugely upsetting”.

“As a voluntary organisation which is entirely dependent on a core group of dedicated volunteers this also stretches us to our limit,” she continued. “We do not have our own premises so trying to source new homes is a difficult, costly and emotionally draining endeavour.” 

The local animal charity said it has a “range of beautiful animals crying out for adoption throughout the year”, and it asked people to please take a moment to consider “all the commitment required from a responsible pet owner”.