With just over a week to go, many people are still out searching for that perfect gift for their loved ones. While there may be a lot of items that make it under your Christmas tree, advocated in Nova Scotia say animals shouldn’t be one of them.
READ MORE: Abandoned animals all too common in Nova Scotia, NS SPCA says
Romkey says unfortunately, a lot of animals given as gifts are given up after the holidays.
“We know how busy it can be during the holiday season, you know, you’re visiting family, you’re not at home at all. And unfortunately, a lot of the animals that we have feel the effects of that and a lot of time, people just give up,” Romkey said.
“They don’t have the time that’s required to care for them properly and they end up in the pounds and the rescue system.”
It’s not just dogs that often make it onto the Christmas list.
Cats, and just about every other animal you can imagine can be given as a gift. It’s an issue that animal advocates see year-round.
“Any holiday — Easter being one, rabbits are a big problem,” Romkey said.
“A lot of rabbits end up in rescue or just being discarded outside after Easter when people don’t know what they’ve bought or the amount of work an animal like that takes.”
Many organizations won’t allow people to adopt pets as gifts, especially this time of year.
“Animals should not be spontaneous gifts at anytime,” said JoAnne Landsburg, chief cruelty investigator with the Nova Scotia SPCA.
“Careful thought and consideration should go in to choosing the appropriate breed for your family’s lifestyle and making sure you understand all the responsibilities that go along with pet ownership.”
Instead, the SPCA suggests getting a gift certificate towards adopting an animal after the holiday rush is over.
READ MORE: The dos and don’ts of adopting pets for Christmas
“If you’re looking for something cute and cuddly and that’s the main goal, then a stuffed animal does the job,” Romkey said.
“If you’re looking for an animal that can be a companion and a lifetime commitment, you’re willing to put in the work and the effort that it takes to have to have a well-rounded animal then, it’s a decision that the entire family should make together and it should be well thought out.”
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