It’s A Dog’s Life For Abandoned Pets At Christmas

New statistics published today show the RSPCA receives more calls about abandoned dogs at Christmas than any other animal.

The Society has received an average of 801 calls about abandoned dogs during December for the last five years*.

Cats were the second most frequently called-about animal, with an average of 463 calls in December for the last five years.

Callers to the RSPCA are also concerned about abandoned small animals (eg rabbits and guinea pigs) at Christmas, with an average of 111 calls in the five-year period.

There were also an average of 41 calls about abandoned horses, ponies and donkeys.

Andy Foxcroft, RSPCA chief officer of the inspectorate, said:

“Our message is simple: don’t throw your old pet out, don’t dump your new pet and don’t give anyone a pet as a present. Anyone taking on a pet should carefully consider the cost, care and commitment involved in looking after a pet for the rest of its life. It is not a decision to be taken lightly, or on behalf of anyone else.”

“The number of calls we receive about abandoned dogs and cats are of particular concern. The figures were slightly down last year which is encouraging, but of course just one abandoned animal is one too many.”

“I believe we get so many calls about abandoned cats and dogs because they are the UK’s most popular pets and owners may struggle to find someone to look after them if they go on holiday at Christmas. Also, people may buy someone a puppy or a kitten as a present without making sure the recipients are prepared to keep a pet – and all too often the unwanted animal ends up being abandoned”

“Christmas should be a happy time for animals as well as humans but, year after year, our inspectors are called out to deal with abandoned and unwanted pets.”

For a completely animal-friendly Christmas, people should follow the RSPCA’s top 10 festive tips:

Don’t give pets as presents. Taking on a pet is a commitment for life and should never be made on someone else’s behalf.
Don’t leave pets at home alone if you go away this Christmas.
Think about travel arrangements. If you are taking your pet away with you, make sure it has water and exercise during long journeys.
Keep your pet in a quiet room, away from loud bangs from crackers and party poppers.
Keep Christmas decorations out of reach of pets.
Be sensible with Christmas treats. Never give pets bones as they could choke on them.
Try to stick to your usual care routine as Christmas can be an unsettling time for pets.
Don’t buy your pet toys that can be easily swallowed or choked on.
Don’t forget about animals kept outside. Pets such as horses, rabbits and pond fish need extra attention at this time of year. Fishponds and horse troughs should be regularly checked in case the water freezes over.
Make sure you have details of emergency vets available during the Christmas and New Year period.