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 December 21, 2007, VANCOUVER
– Every year many animal companions, and often their human guardians, suffer
during the holidays from situations that could have been easily prevented says
The Humane Society of Canada (HSC).
Pets
Aren't Presents!
“While
many people know not to give pets as presents, this still occurs on a regular
basis often with unintended results,” warns Al Hickey, HSC Western Regional
Director. “Pets can live anywhere from 14 to 20 years and in all fairness
this should be the family and not someone else’s decision. In some cases,
families are so unprepared for the new arrival that they turn the animal over
to a local pound where they join other animals waiting for a home. A
better idea is to make up your own gift certificate that reads: “Good for the
adoption of a new family member” and in the New Year, visit your local humane
society, shelter, SPCA or rescue group with the family and let them chose their
new pet,” says Hickey.
According to Hickey, another reason not to
give pets as gifts is because the holidays can be hectic, even stressful,
times. "Welcoming a new dog or cat into the family requires considerable
time and patience, both of which are in short supply during the holidays. It is
better to wait until the family can give all of the attention, guidance and
love that an adopted four-legged family member needs."
Pet-Proofing
the Home
Many families unknowingly decorate their
homes with potentially harmful items. People with pets should inspect their
home to ensure that animals, and young children, aren't exposed to any hazards.
"Two dangerous items that are often
used more during the holidays are electrical cords and candles," warns
Michael O'Sullivan, HSC Executive Director. "Ensure that pets are kept
safe from electrical cords and never leave animals unattended where there are
candles. It is often safer to not use candles at all or to make them inaccessible
to pets."
According to O'Sullivan the Christmas tree
can also cause problems. "Dogs can knock over the Christmas tree while
cats may try to climb the branches so it is a good idea to safely secure trees
in homes with pets," recommends O'Sullivan. "Don't use tinsel,
ribbon, liquid bubbling lights or decorations made of food or which can break
into tiny pieces as they can cause a variety of problems. Animals should be
kept away from the tree's reservoir and tree preservatives should not be used
in the water."
Many "human foods" are also
hazardous, even lethal, to animals. Chocolate and onions are both toxic to
animals and can result in death. Bones should be avoided – especially brittle
ones such as turkey and chicken bones which can splinter and lodge in an
animal's throat or intestines.
The Humane Society of Canada also wants
people with pets to be aware that many of their festive plants could be toxic
to animals. "Some plants have a low toxicity while others are very toxic
and can result in death," warns Hickey. A partial list of toxic
"Christmas plants" includes: mistletoe, Christmas rose, Christmas
cactus, holly, ivy, lily, poinsettia, star of Bethlehem, yew, jequirity bean, Jerusalem
cherry and hibiscus.
Including
Pets in the Fun
"Pets get excited during the holidays too," says O'Sullivan whose family includes a
houseful of dogs and cats. "By including them in the fun and giving them
safe gifts you are less likely to
overlook your 'best friends' during this exciting, hectic time. And by
purchasing gifts such as a first aid kit or catnip treats from the HSC Online Adventure
Store you will be helping animals in need as well."
CONTACT: Al Hickey or Michael O'Sullivan by toll free 1-800-641-KIND
or Michael on his cell phone (416) 876-9685 or at www.humanesociety.com
[For more than 17 years, Al Hickey was the Chief Executive of
the BC SPCA and before that headed up the Alberta and BC Chambers of Commerce, and the
Executive Director of the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Vancouver. He has 6
grandchildren.
A father with two children, and a houseful of dogs and cats, O'Sullivan has
worked across Canada
and in over 100 countries during the last 40 years helping people, animals and
nature.]
The Humane Society of Canada works to protect dogs, cats, horses,
birds, livestock, lab animals, wildlife and the environment. They carry out
hands on programs to help animals and nature, mount rescue operations, expose
cruelty through hard hitting undercover investigations, work to pass laws to
protect animals, funds non-invasive scientific research, support animal
shelters and wildlife rehabilitation centres and spread the word about how to
help animals and nature through humane education.
A registered charity,
The Humane Society of Canada depends entirely on donations to support our
programs to help animals and the environment. All donations are gratefully
acknowledged with a receipt for income tax purposes. If you would like to
support our campaign to protect animals and the earth, please make a donation here.
Because when it comes to fighting cruelty, we don’t give up. Ever.
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