Dogs handed in that don’t match decor

JANUARY 2009

A dog is handed into the LSPCA because it ‘didn’t match’ the owner’s furniture, the animal charity reveals.

LSPCA inspector, Fiona Squibb, says she has nearly 30 dogs and pups handed in since the week before Christmas.

‘ There have been some unbelievable excuses from owners, such as that it didn’t match the furniture, and another that they couldn’t put up a Christmas tree because the dog was jumping up and pulling it down.

‘ This is a case of people simply not looking at the type of dog they are getting, especially if it is a pup. When it gets bigger, they are not just able to look after it.’

Pets also become the latest victims of the recession as many people find they simply cannot afford to keep a dog. As a result, animals are abandoned on roadsides or tied to posts.

‘We are finding dogs everywhere and we appeal to owners not to just abandon them, but take them to us, or leave them in with a vet, and they will be handed in for re-homing,’ the inspector continues.

The LSPCA is very successful in finding new homes, working with animal charities in Scotland and England to place unwanted dogs with new owners.

‘I’ve just returned from taking 20 dogs to Dogs Trust in Scotland.’

Fiona appeals to local people to support the LSPCA by taking part in the fostering programme.

‘If someone can take a dog for a few days, or a week until we find a permanent home for them, it would be an incredible help to us.’