Why animals don't belong under the tree
Bonn. The German Animal Welfare Association strongly advises against giving animals as Christmas surprises. Although pets such as dogs, cats and rabbits are often on children's wish lists, purchasing them is a long-term decision that must be carefully considered. Animals are living beings with individual needs that require time, money and responsibility. Giving them away carelessly often results in them sooner or later being handed over to the already chronically overcrowded animal shelters.
“An animal is not something that you can simply exchange if you don’t like it or that you can give away when you have enough of it,” explains Lea Schmitz, spokeswoman for the German Animal Welfare Association. “They are sentient beings. Pet owners must be prepared to take on responsibility for many years. The decision to adopt an animal must be carefully considered and made consciously by the person who gives the animal a home.” Before dogs and cats move in, it is also important that the animal and the future pet owner get to know each other in advance in order to see if the chemistry is right.
Animals given away carelessly often end up in the animal shelter
Many animal Christmas presents end up in animal shelters after the holidays or over the course of the New Year – often at the latest when the holiday season arrives and no care can be found. Many recipients underestimate the effort, time or money involved in keeping the gift. After a while, parents realize that the care is still up to them, even though the children had promised to walk the dog or clean the litter box. In such situations, you can't rely on an animal shelter to take care of it if you want to get rid of the animal, warns Schmitz: “The animal shelters are currently full, have to repeatedly stop admitting animals and then can no longer take in any more animals. “
Instead of impulse buying, go to the animal shelter well prepared
The German Animal Welfare Association recommends involving the entire family in the decision before purchasing a pet. If you decide to get an animal after careful consideration, you should look for the right animal roommate at the animal shelter. In the homes, numerous animals of every type, character and age are waiting for a new home. However, Christmas with all its hustle and bustle and other festive occasions are not the right time to welcome a new family member, according to the German Animal Welfare Association. An animal guide to read would be more suitable. Alternatively, symbolic sponsorships for animal shelter animals are also available as gifts.