Animals are more than a gift

Students from the Level 3 BTEC Foundation Diploma in Animal Management at SERC’s Bangor Campus are keen to share why it is not cool to give an animal gift at Christmas….

Every year, animals are given as gifts all around the world – sadly, even before the tinsel is packed away, many of these animals are forgotten about, passed onto shelters, or even abandoned.   Both children and adults can lose interest in an animal gift which hasn’t been fully thought through or there is a failure to understand the complete needs of different species.

If you are seriously thinking of giving an animal for a present, then STOP and think again…..You are giving responsibility for an animal which might be with the recipient for the next 20 years! Questions you need to ask yourself before you buy: Will the pet be given a good balanced diet? Appropriate living space? The financial commitment for food, visits to the vets and insurance? Will they have the time to spare for training and socialising the animal?   Who will look after the pet if they on holiday?   A regular routine will have to accommodate the new addition.  

Remember, a dog, for example, needs walked and exercised every day, whatever the weather. A lack of exercise can lead to aggression and behaviour difficulties.   And puppy dogs, no matter how adorable, poop and piddle anywhere, until they are house trained!   NEVER surprise anyone with an animal for a present and certainly not anyone outside your immediate family. The potential owner should always know and understand what they are taking on. They may indeed like the animal, but you don’t know if they can meet all the financial and welfare needs of the animal throughout the animal’s lifespan, and you wouldn’t want to be the cause of an animal left unwanted, lonely or abandoned.    

Many animal shelters across the UK are full or close to reaching their capacity due to a variety of different reasons. When the festive season comes around three animals are abandoned every hour. In January 2020 Northern Ireland’s Dogs Trust received a call every six minutes on unwanted dogs and puppies after the festive period.    

Sadly, abandoned perfectly healthy animals may be euthanised if they are unable to be suitable rehomed. And although many shelters work to look after and rehome an animal, over population and puppy farming means this is not always possible.     So, if you are seriously thinking of getting an animal yourself or as a gift for someone you know it is best to wait until the timing is perfect, so everyone involved is ready and prepared for the full-time commitment.   And let the only surprise be what you are going to call your pet!  

Thank you to Scarlet Andrews and Sophie McPeake for sharing this information. Watch out for top tips for keeping your pets healthy and safe over the festivities from all the Level 3 Animal Management students.