Why you shouldn’t buy a puppy this Christmas
One letter writer explains why it’s so important to adopt, not shop.
Opinion
Don't miss out on the headlines from Opinion. Followed categories will be added to My News.
KAREN and I are the custodians of an Old English sheepdog, Ana, now 10 years old. She suffered cancer four years ago. Ana survived because we, and two exceptional vets (one in Toowoomba and one in Brisbane) cared about her wellbeing. Ana has been cancer free for four years now.
Compare this to a recent story in an RSPCA Queensland newsletter entitled, “Animals are for life – This Christmas, no animal should be neglected.”
RSPCA inspector Sam located Penny, an elderly dog, tied up in the backyard, motionless and unable and incapable of moving. Inspector Sam reported:
“I couldn’t believe how underweight Penny was. I could see her heart beating through her skin. I asked the owners how Penny came to be in this state, and they told me they couldn’t see anything wrong with her. It was terrible to see”.
Penny survived after care and rehoming by the RSPCA dedicated staff and volunteers.
The terrible thing, an indictment on human behaviour, is this neglect will happen again, again and again.
The answer is simple – if you don’t care about animal welfare and happiness, do not take on the responsibility as an animal custodian. The commitment is for life – nothing short of the animal’s life is acceptable.
This Christmas, do not buy a cute little puppy without a lifetime commitment to the puppy.
If aware of a dog, cat or any animal suffering, report it. They deserve our help. They do not deserve neglect under any circumstance.
Support the RSPCA with donations if in the position to do so. It is money well spent.
So endeth the lesson.
‘Disaster’ or ‘great news’? Locals split on plans for $1.5bn solar farm, workers camp
Will a $1.5bn solar farm approved for the Toowoomba region be an “environmental disaster” or “great news” for the nearby small town? Here’s what readers had to say:
‘Labor won the election on handouts – this will come crashing down’
A nerve has been struck as Aussies are accused of being “shameless beggars in search of the next government handout”.
‘Billy was clueless. It’s time to bring Benny back’
Daly Cherry-Evans’ time in Maroon may be coming to an end … and several teammates could join him in the exit. HAVE YOUR SAY
Why Diddy’s trial would have collapsed in Australian courts
Inside the Diddy circus: I’ve been covering Aussie courts for more than a decade and our judges would have declared a mistrial in the Sean Combs case a dozen times on the first day alone.
How Libs and Nats must change to avoid an ‘unhappy marriage’
There are several issues the Liberals and Nats must sort out before they reunite. Otherwise, the only thing worse than a messy breakup would be another three years of sniping, writes Clare Armstrong.
‘Unmitigated disaster’: Ley’s enemies can’t believe their luck
Sussan Ley’s enemies can’t believe their luck. A week in she’s become the leader who couldn’t keep the Coalition together – reason enough they will say why she has to go, writes James Campbell.