PETA Urges People to Stop Buying Pets as Christmas Presents
People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), have issued a pair of public service announcements (PSAs) this holiday season urging people to stop giving pets as Christmas presents.
The messages are aimed at those who purchase pets as Christmas presents and end up turning them over to shelters when they cannot handle the commitment of safely raising a pet.
“Animal shelters are filled beyond capacity with homeless animals, many of whom were former ‘pets’ who – for one reason or another – didn’t fit into someone’s lifestyle.” according to a PETA press release. “No matter how much they would like to, many people who receive animals as gifts find that they’re unable to make the lifelong commitment to care for their new companion.”
Pets require proper medical care, food, and many other expenses.
PETA also noted that many children may not be ready to have a pet in their life.
“Small children may unintentionally harm animals, even breaking their fragile bones or causing other fatal injuries, when they think they are playing. Puppies, kittens, bunnies, chicks, baby ducks and other young animals are especially vulnerable.”
