Facebook has become the biggest and most popular social media platform where users share their love, heartache, hates and general news.
I have noticed, and it seems to become somewhat of a trend, people advertising their pets. The advert usually ends with, “we want good homes for the puppies or kittens”.
Some even say they want to use the money they raise to have their animals sterilised or neutered.
This raises a few concerns, and maybe somebody could help me with this. First of all, how do you know if the puppy or kitten is going to a loving home? So many people are excellent pretenders and can pose as loving people, but would they care for the animal properly? Do you visit them at their homes to make sure they have everything in place as the law prescribes? Most people don’t.
My other concern is the number of animals that have not been sterilised or neutered. Last week I spoke to Cora Bailey from Community Led Animal Welfare (Claw) and she said if every man, woman and child of any age and across the country each adopt seven animals, there would still be a surplus of unwanted, neglected and abused animals walking the streets.
Having an animal is a commitment, at least for as long as the dog or cat is alive. That means you must give that dog or cat the love, medical care and attention you would give your children. That also means your cat and dog must be prevented from having a litter. The age-old myth that female dogs are more protective after they had a litter is just that, a myth.
We all know, and have read so many articles and heard on local and national news that animal shelters are full to the brim. They cannot accept more animals, big or small. They are not coping financially and often send out cries for food donations.
To have your pet sterilised is an expensive exercise and some vets’ fees are exorbitant, but surely, when you decide to have an animal, that, together with food and other medical expenses are taken into consideration? Will you have more children if you know you cannot afford them? I don’t think so.
I honestly believe if you adopt, rather than shop, more animals will have loving forever homes and fewer will roam the streets.
This also will help curb back yard breeders and when you do decide to adopt an animal, make sure they are neutered or sterilised.
If you ever wondered whether your four-legged friend is worth all these expenses, try this exercise.
Lock your wife/ husband and your dog in the boot of a car for two hours and see who is happier when you let them out. I rest my case.
Please people, have your pet sterilised. Make sure they receive all the love and attention they deserve.
They are so special and each animals has its own unique identity.
Until next week, take care of one another.
