Abandonment of Pets
The abandonment of pets is an act of cowardice on the part of the owner and a deeply saddening phenomenon. People who abandon their pets demonstrate a profound lack of responsibility, which can later extend to other aspects of their lives.
Causes of Abandonment
Financial difficulties are one of the main causes of abandonment. Often, when people lose their jobs, they give up their pets to reduce expenses. A pet cannot survive on love alone; it needs food, accessories, and veterinary care, all of which can be costly depending on the type of animal.
Lack of responsibility is another significant cause. Some owners treat pets as objects they can discard whenever they become a “burden,” without any remorse.
The arrival of a baby is also a frequent reason. Many owners fear that the animal might harm the baby and decide that the best solution is to give it away, instead of finding ways for them to coexist.
Other causes include moving abroad (owners leave their pets on the streets when relocating to another country) and downsizing (moving from a house to a flat or from a spacious home to one that cannot accommodate a pet).
Victims of Abandonment
Dogs occupy the top spot as the most abandoned animals, followed by cats. However, they are not the only victims:
- Snakes and other exotic reptiles are often purchased out of curiosity, but when owners can no longer handle them they abandon them in cities or rural areas.
- Rodents and rabbits are frequently bought for children, who quickly lose interest in them.
- Exotic birds are released by collectors when they grow bored of them, but they cannot survive in the wild as they are adapted to live only in captivity.
Consequences of Abandonment
More than half of abandoned animals do not survive. In other words, abandonment is equivalent to a death sentence.
- Many animals are fatally hit by cars.
- Exotic animals die from lack of food or due to extreme temperatures, especially in winter.
There are, however, some happy endings: animals are sometimes found by kind-hearted individuals who either adopt them or find them new homes. Some are taken in by animal protection organisations, giving them a second chance at life.
Pet Abandonment in the UK
Globally, pet abandonment is a serious issue with consequences for public health and safety. Abandoned animals can spread dangerous diseases, die in public spaces, or, in the case of dogs become aggressive and attack people.
In the UK, dog abandonment is a particularly pressing problem. Many irresponsible owners allow their female dogs to give birth, only to abandon the puppies in urban areas. Similarly, cats (both kittens and adults) are increasingly seen on the streets of major cities.
Although authorities have taken steps to prevent abandonment, these measures have been insufficient. Every day, thousands of animals – including dogs, cats, rodents, horses, and reptiles – are abandoned.
Why You Shouldn’t Abandon Your Pet
- Your pet would never abandon you: It loves you unconditionally.
- It’s your responsibility: Abandoning it means condemning it to likely death or severe suffering.
If you can no longer care for your pet, consider alternatives:
- Find someone responsible to adopt it.
- Post adoption ads.
- Return the animal to the person or place you got it from.
DO NOT ABANDON IT ON THE STREETS!
Think Carefully Before Getting a Pet
Getting a pet is a huge responsibility for its entire lifetime. Be a responsible person and provide your pet with the love and care it deserves.
