Preventing pet abandonment

THERE are times when a pet suffers because of life changes in the family that can’t be anticipated.

There was, for example, Andy, an elderly Labrador whose equally elderly mum had to be hospitalised, and Kira, an adult Retriever, whose family were relocated to South America. It took some effort but both dogs managed to be rehomed with new loving families.

However, pet rescuers and shelter operators say that most cases of abandonment are totally preventable. In a candid interview, Edward Lim from PAWS Animal Welfare Society, Petaling Jaya, cites the top reasons given by people who are surrendering their pets:

“The thing we hear most is: ‘We’re moving to a condo that doesn’t allow pets.’ Right, and they’re giving up puppies aged nine to 12 months. If you’ve booked a condo, then you shouldn’t take in a dog. And if you have a dog, don’t move to a place where they’re not welcome. It’s pure irresponsibility.

“The second is: ‘My maid has gone back.’ What kind of stupid reason is that? Do you buy a dog for your maid? It’s your dog, your responsibility!

“The third is: ‘We have no time.’ You should have thought about that before you got a dog! Again, this is pure irresponsibility.

“Finally, we have women saying, ‘My husband/boyfriend left, so I can’t take care of the dog anymore.’ The men in these circumstances lie and say, ‘I just found this pedigree dog by the roadside.’ Either way, why give pets to people? Buy jewellery! Then when you break up, there’s no problem.

“Know this, at least if you dump your pet at a shelter, you have a little bit of a conscience. If you dump your pet on the street, you really cause problems. It’s slow starvation, or being hit and injured by cars to die slowly and in pain. Or to suffer from diseases.”

If you want a furry friend, do think very carefully before making the commitment so you don’t end up at a shelter, breaking your pet’s heart.