Alarming news.
186 people made calls looking to surrender a dog to Ireland’s largest dog welfare charity in the three weeks following the Christmas period.
Dogs Trust reported a 22% spike in comparison to last year, when the charity had launched a campaign specifically geared towards urging the public to take time and think twice before getting a dog for Christmas.
One alarming case, in particular, is that of a two-year-old Jack Russell terrier named PJ, who was abandoned by his owner at the Dogs Trust Rehoming Centre.
Despite receiving all necessary medical care from his new carers, PJ is reportedly suffering from a lack of confidence and is fearful of other dogs, possible indicators that he missed out on developing important social skills.
“We are saddened to see an increase in the number of dogs and puppies being surrendered or abandoned after Christmas again this year,” said Suzie Carley, Executive Director of Dogs Trust, who urges the public to avoid getting a dog around the Christmas season.
“It is disappointing to see that this message is still falling on deaf ears for many as the number of surrender requests continue to rise,” she continued. “PJ is a particularly sad case. He is such a sweet and kind boy and for him to be discarded this way is deeply upsetting.”
Dogs Trust acknowledges that not all dog surrender situations are taken lightly, and that certain circumstances leave people with no other option, but nonetheless encourage the public to try and anticipate any major lifestyle changes such as an upcoming move, or welcoming a baby into the home.
“We coined the phrase, ‘A dog is for life, not just for Christmas’, Carley added, “and it is astonishing to see that almost 40 years later, this message is still as relevant today.”
For more information and to learn more about rehoming dogs, visit the official Dogs Trust website.
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