Easter is approaching: Animals are not gifts – responsibility counts!

Easter is approaching: Animals are not gifts – responsibility counts!

During the Easter season, which is often associated with gifts and traditions, interest in pets increases significantly among both children and adults. Many people decide to buy or give away animals quickly and without thought, which usually leads to serious consequences. The Vienna Office for Animal Welfare therefore appeals to the population to think carefully about the responsibility that comes with it before purchasing an animal. Ruth Jily, the head of the veterinary office, makes it clear that animals are not toys, but living beings whose maintenance is both time- and cost-intensive. This responsibility should be taken seriously, especially by families with children.

Families are advised to think carefully about the requirements of their future animal companion. Care, possible illnesses and holiday care can cause unexpected costs that are often underestimated. In addition, children's interests change over time. Animals could stay behind with their parents when the children move out. Thomas Benda, operations manager at TierQuarTier, reports on numerous animals that are purchased without consideration and then handed over to TierQuarTier. In order to avoid such fates, both the veterinary office and TierQuarTier advise not to give animals away without sufficient information and consideration. Instead, alternatives such as animal sponsorships or visits to the zoo could also bring joy and help promote a sense of responsibility at an early stage.

Animal protection as a collective responsibility

Animal welfare is an issue that affects everyone, regardless of whether they own pets or not. Everyone has the opportunity to influence the welfare of animals through their actions. An appreciation for the lives of animals begins with responsibility for their well-being. According to the website tierischefreude.de, sustainable and ethical consumer behavior is crucial to supporting animal welfare. Treating pets appropriately includes basic aspects such as exercise, medical care and appropriate nutrition.

The legislation in Germany, in particular paragraph 11 of the Animal Welfare Act, sets out clear minimum requirements for the species-appropriate keeping of animals. These regulations affect both agricultural and domestic animals and are intended to ensure animal welfare. Animal owners are obliged to regularly check the keeping conditions and adjust them if necessary. The law also defines conditions for housing, feeding and caring for animals to promote their physical and mental health.

Education and enlightenment are essential

One of the central points in animal protection is the prevention of neglect and abuse. Awareness and education play a crucial role. Animal welfare organizations provide comprehensive support and information for pet owners so they can responsibly prepare for long-term commitments. The forms of animal welfare-friendly behavior include not only species-appropriate husbandry, but also the pursuit of environmentally friendly and animal-friendly products in everyday life. Regular veterinary checks are a prerequisite for the health of pets and also a form of responsibility that every pet owner should live by.

The call for citizens to take the responsibility associated with acquiring animals seriously is becoming louder and louder. Both the veterinary office in Vienna and animal protection organizations emphasize the need for a sustainable and ethical approach to dealing with animals. A conscious decision and knowledge of a pet's needs are the key to avoiding animal suffering and promoting respectful treatment of our animal companions.