Don't buy cats and dogs from unknown sources — Welsh Government warning
ANYONE considering getting a pet this new year is being asked to be careful.
The Welsh Government has warned people to think twice as to whether they can cope with a pet.
Environment Minister John Griffiths said: "As we enter a new year some people may be thinking about purchasing a pet dog or cat. I would ask anyone thinking about getting a pet to make sure that they understand what is involved in looking after an animal properly, including the veterinary costs, and to ensure they know where the animal has come from.
"If you do not know where your animal has come you will have no assurance that proper care has been taken of its health and welfare nor that it has been socialised properly. This could potentially lead to behavioural problems and costly veterinary expenses."
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Chief vet Dr Christianne Glossop urged people not to buy animals from unknown sources, particularly online, because they may have diseases.
Comments
by Dr_Conker
Sunday, January 06 2013, 8:12PM
“Before anyone takes on a pet its essential that those people RSPCA-types from Llys-Nini give you and your property the once over, just to check if your responsible enough...”
by BobDavies2
Sunday, January 06 2013, 7:57PM
“Excellent advice from the Welsh Government, there are a lot of quality animals requiring homes in local rescue centres. Having worked recently on council sites in Swansea, puppy breeding is now supplementing social security benefits, animals are for life, not cash for the next fix!”
by skewenboy
Sunday, January 06 2013, 5:11PM
“Absolutely right! As a life-long animal lover and owner...can I say...if you think you want a cat or dog, or any other animal, PLEASE think carefully before you take one on. They need love, care and 100% commitment.
And then...PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE...bear this in mind. There are so many abandoned cats and dogs in rescue centres just begging to be re-homed. Beautiful, loving animals with so much love to give. I know: I have one.
I know a few *****es who have been rescued from puppy farms when their 'working life' was over. They have been ill-treated and traumatised. It takes them the rest of their life to recover. This trade has to be stamped out! It's inhumane.”
by cwchedup
Sunday, January 06 2013, 12:55PM
“Agreed ... a very sensible statement. It might be useful to add something about what "unknown sources" means...it means never buying a puppy from someone where you are not able to see the mother, and preferably the father as well. It means never buying a puppy from someone where you can't see for yourself that the mother is cared for, socialised and loved. It means never buying a puppy from someone you've never met (ie via the internet) and who offers "to deliver". Just because the puppy has pedigree papers, and comes from a licensed breeder does not mean that the above conditions have been met. Check it out for yourself....or adopt.”
by CalicoWitch
Sunday, January 06 2013, 10:41AM
“Very sensible statement from the Welsh Government. I wonder if this could be a sign of refreshed interest leading to tighter regulation of puppy farming which, although not exclusive to, is particularly rife in Wales.”