COMING UP TO Christmas, a lot of people will be looking on classified websites to find the perfect purebred puppy for their family.
Two websites, aimed at encouraging prospective pet owners to adopt rather than buy, are now making it easier for people to find information about animals that are available to adopt at rescue centres across the country.
“There is nothing more depressing than not being able to save all the pound dogs at Christmas,” Maureen Ryan, who set up Rescue Animals Ireland, told us.
I think it makes it worse when it’s Christmas – they should be in a nice happy home. There’s a never-ending stream of dogs and a lot of people seem to be getting rid of older dogs. Then instantly after Christmas there are the calls about puppies people don’t want.
Ryan, along with her sister, set up the site after they saw how badly affected their own dog, who came from a puppy farm, had suffered.
“We just want to make it as easy as possible for people to find information so they adopt instead of buying from breeders,” she explained.
The website includes a map that shows where some 150 rescue centres are located, so you can find the closest one to you. It also features pictures and descriptions of dogs up for adoption, similar to classified websites.
Currently, there are just a small number listed bit Ryan said this is a new feature and she is hoping to significantly add to that in the coming weeks and months to show people that they don’t have to go to breeders for purebreds – there are some stunning dogs up for adoption.
In an interesting development this week, the DSPCA also announced it was teaming up with online trading community SoSellit.ie to encourage people to adopt. A new section on the site called ‘So Adopt Me‘ features animals from the DSPCA and their recommended animal shelters.
The animal welfare charity said there are some amazing animals that are just waiting for the chance to have the happy home life they deserve.
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