THE DUBLIN SOCIETY for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (DSPCA) is calling on people who are thinking of buying a pet this Christmas to adopt one instead.

The call came as the DSPCA launched their Christmas campaign which they hope will prevent the trafficking of animals while, at the same time, giving the ones in their centres a second chance.

Brian Gillen, the CEO of the DSPCA, said:

Many of the pets bought come from sources who have no respect for the animals or their welfare.  Unfortunately many people buy pets on line, in good faith, not realising that in many cases these animals are being bred to order in appalling and stressful conditions.

We are asking the public to consider adoption as a way of giving a healthy pet a second chance. The pets at our rescue centre have had the full care of the DSPCA including vet checks and vaccinations. Furthermore, we can advise families on breeds and pets that best suit their family home life.

The DSPCA dealt with 3,319 reported cases of animal cruelty in 2011, taking in over 4,400 animals in the process.

This year, they have dealt with 2,417 reported cases of animal cruelty and have taken in 3,341 animals so far.

Speaking to TheJournal.ie, Gillian Bird, the head of education at the DSPCA, said that they were still in the process of re-homing some of the 92 puppies who had been rescued in two separate incidents last month due to “underlying health conditions”.

While the charity had managed to raise €10,200 in the fundraising campaign which followed, Bird admits that this “was just a drop in the ocean” when all the associated costs were considered.

Outlining all the ways in which people can help, Bird says: “If you can’t foster, volunteer, if you can’t volunteer donate and if you can’t donate educate to end animal cruelty.”

Today also marked the launch of their Santa Experience at their centre in Rathfarnham, County Dublin, where children can visit Santa “surrounded by animals”.