Roscommon SPCA CLG urges people to refrain from giving pets as Christmas presents. We are overwhelmed with requests to take in dogs and cats, but we have no spaces available due to the high number of welfare cases. We also noticed a surge of requests to take in animals that were given as gifts after Christmas 2022.
Giving pets as Christmas presents is not a wise or compassionate decision. Pets are not objects that can be easily disposed of when they become inconvenient. They are sentient beings that require care, affection, and responsibility.
Many animals end up homeless or in shelters after being given as gifts because the recipients are not ready or able to look after them.
Therefore, please do not give pets as Christmas presents, unless you are certain that the person can and will provide for a pet for its whole life.