There are some news stories that just really shock you and make you question what goes on in the minds of some people. This morning reading the stats about dogs being abandoned in Ireland was heartbreaking and makes me think people are still not educated about what getting a dog means financially and the need for people to think carefully before they adopt a dog.
You can read the full article on the Journal, but here are some of the stats.
“Figures from the Department of Environment show 1,824 unwanted dogs were put down in 2015. In total, there were more than 13,000 unwanted dogs and the majority were either re-homed or reclaimed from a pound or were transferred to dog welfare groups.”
“Last year, 203 of the unwanted dogs put down were greyhounds, of a total of 366 who were seized, surrendered or stray.”
But why this time of year are more people abandoning their dogs?
According to Mark Beazley from Dogs Trust
““Sadly, we see this time of year people saying they’ve two weeks’ holidays and they didn’t realise how expensive the kennels were so the dog ends up in a dog pound. It’s a sad reason to see a dog in a pound.”
This really shocks me, as surely people consider the cost of getting a pet before they get one? Don’t they?
What Cost Is Involved When You Get A Dog?
Probably as a kid, you don’t realise the cost of owning a pet, but when you are an adult you certainly do.
When you own a dog you are signing up to caring for them for their ENTIRE life, not just a few years. My Collie Patch lived until she was 19, so it’s not a short-term commitment.
Dogs need:
- Food
- Warmth
- Shelter
- Vets Visits – Annual injections, regular flea and worm treatments and any illness medication
- Toys
- Treats
- Insurance (if you decide that’s an option you want to avail of)
- Kennels or Pet Sitter (if you want to take a holiday)
- Possible Daycare or Dog Walker if you work all day
If you are looking for a cheap, low maintenance pet then a dog is definitely not right for you.
Do you have the time to:
- Walk them
- Play with them
- Feed them
- Bath them
- Care for them
- Love them!
Adopt A Dog Don’t Buy
I’m definitely in favour of adopting a dog rather than buying, where possible. There are so many dogs, and cats, in need of homes that find themselves in the pound through no fault of their own.
They didn’t ask to be brought into this world, all they know is that someone didn’t want them and they are now waiting, and hoping, that a loving family will pick them and choose to love them.
Should You Adopt A Dog?
If you can offer a dog a loving home for the entire length of their life then yes you should adopt a dog, but if you can’t commit the time and finances needed then maybe donating to a rescue, either money or time, would be a better option.
I am sure lots of rescues would be glad of the extra support.
Have you rescued a dog? What are your thoughts on these statistics? Let me know in the comments below.
