Caution: give away pets for Christmas? Experts warn!

Caution: give away pets for Christmas? Experts warn!

In Styria there is an alarming development at Christmas: Pets are bought as gifts for children every year, but the four -legged companion often ends up in the shelter after the holidays. Styria's animal protection combinations urgently warns against giving away animals with rash because they are living beings with specific needs. Karoline Schlögl, animal welfare combine in Styria, emphasizes that pets are not gifts, but require responsibility and care. Every year, numerous animals, including cats and dogs, are brought back after the holidays or given in animal shelters because parents and children underestimate the challenges of a pet owner after their festive time, such as meinbezirk.at reported.

Especially during the pandemic, many animals were purchased as "Lockdown companions" and then quickly released. This has led to the fact that the animal shelters in Graz report on a dramatic increase in dogs-the numbers have almost tripled compared to 2020, such as Kleinezeitung.at emphasized. The rash purchase of pets, which are intended as playmates for children, can have serious consequences if there is not enough thought of the right species. It is crucial to know the needs of the respective animal and to take into account that not every animal is suitable as a cuddly friend for children.

The animal protection combination expressly recommends that you carry out comprehensive information research before purchasing a pet and prepare children for dealing with animals. In particular, you should understand that animals are also escape animals and have to be treated accordingly. Karoline Schlögl points out that parents are responsible for teaching their children about the behavior of animals to avoid potential injuries. Around 200 children annually have to be treated in Styrian hospitals, often due to bite or scratches by pets. It is therefore essential to choose the suitable animal species that fits both the needs of the child and the living conditions of the family to ensure a harmonious living together.