I fear for rejected pandemic pups
AS THE owner of a small animal sanctuary, I was saddened to read about ‘pandemic puppies’ — a quarter of new dog owners admit impulsebuying a pet during the coronavirus crisis (Mail). These animals were bought to ease the tedium and anxiety of lockdown, but their owners now admit not having fully considered the commitment or long-term responsibilities. I dread the consequences of what may follow in the next few months. Our latest rescue dog is Mabel, who had been shut in an outbuilding for most of the first year of her life until found by the Dogs Trust. Having company and the freedom to run around with our other dogs is all she needs to enjoy life. Animals need a routine to give them security, and if that suddenly changes it can cause problems. Experts have warned that as families go back to work and school, pandemic puppies may suffer separation anxiety and miss the constant human attention they enjoyed during lockdown. I also have concerns about puppy farms. A licensed breeder will have their premises inspected by the council. Some breeders are avoiding having to buy a licence from the council by saying they are ‘hobby breeders’ and not doing it for profit. A year after the Animal Welfare Act 2018 became law, my local council told me it had issued only one licence. However, I’ve counted 48 internet ads for puppies, costing from several hundred to several thousand pounds, within a 15-mile radius of my local town. Clearly this law is not working. A puppy buyer’s contract can be downloaded free from the internet. If the seller refuses to fill in this form, which requires them to provide lots of information about the puppy and themselves before money changes hands, then you should walk away. All information supplied should be checked thoroughly. It is the only way to stop scammers and unscrupulous dealers. An animal should never be bought on a whim, as it may end up costing thousands in vets bills. It’s best to go to one of the wonderful rescue charities, where you will find a healthy dog that’s right for you and at a fraction of the cost.
MOIRA FOOT, Pulborough, W. Sussex.