Cork SPCA urges people to think before they adopt a dog for Christmas

The Cork Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals is urging Cork people to think wisely before they adopt a pet this Christmas.

Cathy Twomey of Cork SPCA says that many animals are surrendered to them once the Christmas season is over because people are no longer able to look after them.

For others, the novelty of a new pet wears off quickly.

"We already have a lot of people coming into us, asking to see pups or young dogs [for Christmas presents]. That's all fine and well, but people forget that puppies need a lot of attention."

"They need to be trained, toilet trained, and looked after.

"We see a lot of people surrendering pups and young dogs in January and February, once the Christmas season is over.

"People go back to work, there's no one to look after the dog, and the puppy might destroy the house because they are not used to being on their own."

Cathy says there are also a lot of older dogs entering the CSPCA. "People want to replace them with a younger dog, which is very sad."

Speaking of a recent incident where a man arrived at the CSPCA and ran away, leaving his lurcher behind him, Cathy says this is not that common.

"It is more common for people to dump their pets out in the countryside, tying them to a pole. We would then come out and rescue them."

"It is unusual for people to dump their pets at our doorstep, but when people are desperate and don't want to do that bad thing, it's better they are left here."