Concern has been expressed at a “dramatic increase” in the number of unwanted pets being referred to a local dog and cat rescue centre.
The Derry-based Rainbow Rehoming Centre has revealed received that on Sunday last, it received eight “reference calls” for stray dogs, six of which were in the Derry area, and nine “reference calls” for unwanted pets.
The Centre receives an average three/four calls a day for stray dogs and five/six calls for unwanted pets.
A spokesperson said: We have noticed a dramatic increase in the number phone calls reference strays dogs now waiting coming into the Centre and even more worrying a dramatic increase on the number of phone calls reference unwanted pets.”
The spokesperson added: “We would like to make the public aware that we have space for 16 dogs at the Centre and four ‘foster homes.’
“We are currently over our numbers at the Centre and all four ‘foster homes’ are currently full.
“Some of the phone calls we receive are very demanding. We would ask that the public to respect the staff and please take on board the number of spaces we actually have.
“It is extremely difficult to turn a stray dog away from the centre but we would hope that the finder would work with us.
“So often we see the same dog finally ends up in the local dog pound.”
If you have found a stray….
:: Log dogs details with the centre with their local dog pound and also with local vets. The owner may contact these places.
:: Take dog to your nearest vet, pet shop or the centre to be scanned for a mirco chip.
:: Put up a post on our Facebook page or PET FBI Facebook page or other animal charities/lost and found pages.
:: You may want to put posters up in your area or at local vets/pet shops or do leaflet drops.
If you are considering taking on a pet….
:: The public is asked to consider how their life may change in the future before taking on a pet.
:: Some of the many problems we hear daily from unwanted pets owners are:
“I’m moving house,” “I’ve split up with my partner,” “I’m pregnant.”
**Such scenarios should be taken on board before offering an animal a home. Other owners want rid of their animal simply because they need basic training. Please contact a dog trainer or behaviourist for advice before giving up on them**
Our centre will always give preference to cruelty/neglect cases, pound and stray dogs.
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