April 2025
National Pet Month
April is National Pet Month and runs from 1st April to May 3rd. April 11th is National Pet day & April 24th is World Laboratory Animal Day.
We are also in our fourth year of our Online Pet Sales Awareness Week running from 10th – 16th April, launched by Justice for Reggie to highlight the importance of regulating online animal selling.
The focus of National Pet Month is to raise awareness for responsible pet ownership for both current and would be pet owners, and to support animal welfare organisations across the UK and beyond. We can expect to see many events, campaigns and fundraising during April to support them. However, the important messages endorsed by National Pet Month run all year round.
Online Selling
Despite educational tools such as puppy contracts and advice on how to buy a puppy safely widely accessible, it is still shocking to learn that a third of new puppies bought online are from a suspected puppy farm. Far too many new owners also admit to buying a pup without seeing the breeding environment or their mother. We also hear of puppies delivered to different locations to cover up the dark side of the puppy trade. Of course, we know that the increase in selling platforms such as Websites, Instagram, Tik Tok, Facebook and even WhatsApp – all of which are unregulated are to blame.
Abuse and Neglect
The RSPCA have reported a rise in animal abuse and with one dog abused every hour; they are the most abused animal in this country.
Abuse can include anything from physical violence, mental distress or neglect and any suspected abuse should be reported. Bad breeding resulting in animal suffering or neglect is a form of abuse and is illegal under the animal welfare Act 2006. Unfortunately, there are thousands of dogs suffering at the hands of unlicensed breeders with little or no thought for their welfare, only to churn out as many litters as they can in appalling conditions. The spotlight is also on ‘forced mating’ with distressed dogs being repeatedly held or tied down as soon as the female comes into season. Forced breeding can cause painful reproductive issues in both the male and female dogs. Needless to say, far too many puppies being sold online are the result of forced and abusive mating.
The Value Pets Add to our Lives
Our pets give us so much love and ask for very little in return. They love us unconditionally. Looking after our dogs’ health ensures they stay happy and healthy. The health benefits of owning a dog is widely known. They can reduce stress, anxiety & depression and encourage us to exercise and become more active. By providing companionship and emotional support, our pets can also ease loneliness.
Dogs are pack animals and need a leader to guide them. By taking the lead, they are given structure and security to build a strong bond with their owners. A dog who respects and trusts us will be more likely to listen and follow commands. To ensure they are well behaved and happy, our dogs need positive reinforcement with treats, toys or praise.
Welfare Needs
It is widely recognised that licensed breeders have regular welfare inspections and they have a limit of litters that they can produce each year. There are also strict regulations on the ages of the mothers who can breed – for example, female dogs should not be bred from under 12 months of age, or after 7 years. After this age, they are at risk of being injured or dying during pregnancy. So if a rescue is not an option and buying a puppy is the way forwards, please consider buying from a licensed breeder. Most small licensed breeders really do care about their animals (but is largely questionable with commercial breeders).
How Can we Make a difference?
There is a lot we can do to help animals in need. Supporting local animal welfare charities is a good start like rescues & shelters. This could be offering your time volunteering such as dog walking or even fostering. Maybe organising a fun day of fundraising, or maybe could you offer a forever home for a rescue dog?
Are you compassionate about reducing animal experiments? We could do more to support the many campaigns out there to put an end to experiments on dogs and other animals. You could even become an online activist!
We would love to hear from you!“A dog is the only thing that can mend a crack in your broken heart” – Judy Desmond
https://www.animalwelfarefoundation.org.uk
http://www.rspca.org.uk/whatwedo/endcruelty/investigatingcruelty/organised/puppyfarming