MONTREAL – Canada Day and Easter: days of fun celebrations and spending time with family, but they’re also two of the worst culprits when it comes to animal safety.
On July 1, Quebecers often abandon their furry (or feathery, or scaly…) companions as they move into new apartments or homes.
READ MORE: ‘Your pets are living creatures; don’t abandon them,’ says SPCA
Around Easter time, they’ll buy pet chicks and rabbits thinking these creatures will make an adorable gift for a toddler or child.
It’s the Montreal SPCA‘s worst nightmare.
Here are five reasons why you should never abandon your pets:
Pets are part of your family
“When we chose to welcome an animal, we are adding a new member to our family,” said Kapuscinska.
She points out, because of this, people need to do everything in their power to try to keep their animals safe.
“Most people who are forced to move do not want to abandon their animal, whom they consider a member of their family,” said Anita Kapuscinska.
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“Abandoning an animal in distress, such as in an empty apartment, is a criminal offence and hence it is illegal.”
Pets trust you
According to the SPCA, pets are sentient beings – that means they have physiological and psychological needs.
Abandoning them can cause a great deal of stress.
“When we decide to welcome a new furry member to our family, it is up to us to provide them with the lifelong care they require,” said Kapuscinska.
Pets will stay by you for years
“Make sure you are ready to commit and ask yourself what your situation will be in five, ten and twenty years before welcoming a new pet,” said Kapuscinska.
Pets, like people, are receiving better care now so naturally, they’re living longer.
Cats and dogs can live anywhere from 10 to 20 years – even more in some cases.
Think of the bigger picture
Thousands of pets are abandoned every year in Quebec and it’s a huge challenge for shelters like the SPCA to place them all into loving homes.
During the moving season, the number of animals sent to shelters triples from 600 to more than 1,600 a month.
Imagine how many animals that means per year?
They fulfil our lives
“As much as animals need us, we need them as well,” said Kapuscinska.
“Studies show that pets are great companions.”
Not only do they give companionship, but “they help keep us active and our stress level down.”
rachel.lau@globalnews.ca
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