Highlands MSP backs SSPCA warning that pets are not just for Christmas

20th December 2013

Highlands & Islands (Labour) MSP Rhoda Grant backs SSPCA warning that pets should not be seen as cute gifts to give just at Christmas, but they are for all year round and for the life of the pet.

SSPCA Chief Superintendent Mike Flynn said, "Every year we stress that pets should never be bought on a whim or given as surprise gifts, but some people clearly aren't getting the message.

"Sadly, our animal rescue and rehoming centres are full every Christmas and, shockingly, some owners see our centres as dumping grounds and animals as disposable items they can just give away.

"This is particularly evident over the festive period and in the months that follow and the saddest cases are when people try to give up their older dog to make way for a Christmas puppy. Recently we were given a hard luck story and took in an elderly dog and then found out the owners had visited another charity and bought a pup and, sadly, this happens often.

"One owner even told us they didn't want their dog making their house untidy when they had guests over for Christmas, which is just ludicrous."