Councillor Robert New, Environment and Community Safety boss who’s in charge of the City Council’s stray dog kennels is launching a campaign to raise awareness of abandoned and mistreated dogs, cats, kittens and puppies.
Councillor Rob New said; “This isn’t an issue that’s exclusive to Portsmouth, but a national issue. Every year dog kennels and catteries across the country see a large influx of abandoned, stray and neglected dogs and cats. There are many reasons for this including rash purchase of animals as Christmas presents without thought to the attention and training that is needed and ongoing love, or people simply don’t have time to commit to a dog or cat. There are many other issues of course, but it’s a really serious concern.
The stress that is caused to cats and dogs, puppies and kittens caused by either being neglected, mistreated or worse.
I am appealing to members of the public to THINK before they purchase a dog, puppy, kitten or cat this Christmas. They are completely dependent on their owners and they are their world. If you can’t commit to the time that an animal requires, please do not purchase one. The Dogs Trust state that around 1,500 animals will be abandoned this festive period that they alone will take care of and try and rehome.
More information around national Christmas Dog Appeals can be found at:
The Dogs Trust:
https://www.dogstrust.org.uk/whats-happening/latest-appeal/
RSPCA:
http://www.rspca.org.uk/getinvolved/donate/christmas?source=15DD090203
Battersea Dogs & Cats Home:
http://www.battersea.org.uk/apex/webshopcategory?pageId=450-christmas&a=christmas