A Dog is for Life, Not Just for Christmas
On Tuesday 11th December, Clarissa Baldwin CEO of the UK’s largest dog welfare charity Dogs Trust met with Lord De Mauley, newly appointed Parliamentary Under-Secretary for DEFRA, to urge people to think carefully before purchasing a puppy as a gift this Christmas.
Every year Dogs Trust reinforces the importance of its iconic slogan, a dog is for life, not just for Christmas, to remind the general public to consider the long-term responsibilities involved in owning a dog. Despite the initiative, the charity’s rehoming centres continue to see an influx of dogs being handed in to them in the New Year, after the novelty of a puppy given as a gift has worn off.
This year, Dogs Trust also aims to highlight the potential risks surrounding the online sale of pets. Due to the accessibility of the internet, impulse buying of animals has become an appealing option, yet it can attract unscrupulous breeders and dogs are often in poor health and undersocialised, which can then lead to them being abandoned.
Lord De Mauley, Parliamentary Under-Secretary for DEFRA said:
“Owning a dog can bring real joy to the owner but anyone thinking of bringing a new dog into their home should remember that it is a lifetime commitment. Animal welfare charities like the Dogs Trust do a great job in helping neglected animals, but Christmas is a time when they are put under enormous pressure by the number of dogs that are abandoned by people who cannot care for them. It is vitally important that people are aware of their responsibilities before making the commitment to own a dog.”
Clarissa Baldwin CEO comments:
“I am very grateful for the valued support Lord De Mauley has shown at this vital time of year for Dogs Trust. Our slogan was coined 34 years ago and sadly, is as relevant now as it has ever been.
We very much want to remind people that dogs are not disposable, but deserve a home for life and it is crucial that people are aware of the responsibility they are undertaking. If people are committed to owning a dog, it is also important they do their research to ensure they obtain a healthy, legally bred dog and to avoid the costs associated with buying at a click of the mouse.”
This year, Dogs Trust will cease rehoming from 22nd December 2012 to 29th December 2012 in a bid to curb the number of puppies given as gifts. With a Terrier cross puppy, Bo, under his arm, Lord De Mauley showed his support for Dogs Trust’s yearly campaign.
Dogs Trust is the UK’s largest dog welfare charity and cares for over 16,000 abandoned and unwanted dogs a year through its nationwide network of 18 rehoming centres. For more information about Dogs Trust, the UK’s largest dog welfare charity, visit www.dogstrust.org.uk.