Credit Crunch animals

[Blackdogjnr]

BBC NEWS | Science & Environment | Berlin's polar bear under threat

BBC - Newsbeat - The P Word - The pets hit by the credit crunch

Two reports on the same day...

Surely the lives of animals should come a little higher on people's list of priorities?!?
I really do feel that everything will be blamed on this darn credit crunch, probably for the next few years ...

[wildliferescuer]

I think that the credit crunch is having an affect on all charities, including animal charities.
In our case, we have noticed a large drop in donations which could be devasting for us as we have to raise £20,000 every month just to keep going.
The only thing that is doing better than usual is our charity shop where the takings are about 20% up on normal.

I hope everyone remembers the animals this Christmas & during these tough financial times otherwise some charities & many animals will suffer.

[Bonkers Mad!!!]

i think it's absolute nonsense and makes me mad that people blame the credit crunch as an excuse for them abandoning their pets. my local vets has been giving out rehoming forms by the dozen to people who reckon they can't afford their animals. i'd go hungry before any of my pets did.

[Blackdogjnr]

Originally Posted by Bonkers Mad!!!

i'd go hungry before any of my pets did.

I concur.
Obviously people need cigarrettes and other things like that much more than dog food or cat litter... grrr

For the record, I am buying virtual gifts and donating money to wildlife charities this christmas instead of buying people something they probably don't even want.

Oh yes.

[wildliferescuer]

Originally Posted by Blackdogjnr

I concur.
Obviously people need cigarrettes and other things like that much more than dog food or cat litter... grrr

For the record, I am buying virtual gifts and donating money to wildlife charities this christmas instead of buying people something they probably don't even want.

Oh yes.

Good for you, great idea.

We too have asked for no presents but donations to our charity instead. I am sure people can find a local wildlife rescue centre to benefit from this idea at Christmas.
If anyone wants to know where their nearest centre is, let me know where you are & I will see what centres we have on our database.

[volence]

I agree with bonkers. Even though my contract has just ended for my job I would rather starve than see my iggy hungry or in the slightest discomfort. Luckily I brought all new things for him before I lost the job and I have plenty for food for him.
I knew this was going to happen and if I had my own place and my job I would take in what I could even if it was just to foster for a while

[lincs lass]

I work at a vets and we have had stray cats in and a few weeks ago I took on a kitten that had been signed over, he's doing really well and is gorgeous. (I already have 5 other pets..and they always come first moneywise, bills, then me)
To many people take on an animal without realising the full costs, vaccinations every year, worming every 3 months, flea treatments, food, toys, bedding, kennel/cattery costs, insurance (a must) spaying/neutering, vet bills should the animal be ill or require surgery.

A couple of the rescue centers I know of are full to bursting. People who couldn't 'afford' a pet in the first place will use this as an excuse yet will still go to the pub, have nights out, holidays, smoke and wear the latest fashions, have the latest phone/gadgets etc.




If you can't afford the vet...you can't afford the pet

[Gill Catton]

These aren't all lazy thoughtless pets, these are also people who have lost their job and then their home they have absolutely no choice but to go into rented accomodation - most of which don't take pets.

These are people who love their pets as part of the family but have no choice and no where left to turn. Perhaps imagine for a second what it may cost some folk to keep a roof over their families head. I'd be torn to peices if it happened to me. but if I (god forbid), lost my job there's no way I could afford this house.... what then?!

[NickCantle]

Yes I agree with that Gill, I think that many people assume that others are inconsiderate and irresponsible by having to let their pet go, but to some people as you say who have lost their jobs or been in odd circumstances, it's for the benefit of the pet.

People are playing on the 'credit crunch'.

...and to the people that would rather starve themselves than their pets. Would it be pride that prevents you from rehoming your pet? Obviously pets are loved in the majority of cases and I don't think it would be wise to jeopardise your own health for the sake of your pet, would it? I appreciate that some pet homes are full and I don't know my facts at that end of the spectrum, but come on, you've got to face that it's not selfish for you to want to be healthy and nourished and have your pet healthy and nourished too, but being looked after in a home. Is it pride or what?

[Bonkers Mad!!!]

it's not pride on my part. my cats and dogs are fully integrated members of my family. i'd no more get rid of them than i'd get rid of my kids. even if it meant taking 3 or 4 jobs. there are a lot of rental properties that do allow pets. if it meant i had to get my cats fostered until i found somewhere that allowed them then i'd be prepared to do that. i just can't imagine any circumstances where i'd willingly give up members of my family. i'd do whatever i had to to keep us all together.