Maria, 44, bought her dog online. Three years later, they are still happily together. "He is my joy," she said.
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The rise of online advertising is leading to a “throwaway culture” with pets, a leading charity has warned.
Last month, licensed sellers were banned from dealing in cats and dogs less than eight weeks old.
But it’s become easier to get your paws on a pet, with the rise of online advertising.
Battersea Dogs and Cats Home say this is leading to a ‘throwaway culture’, where animals are left traumatised, being handed in at just a few days old.
280 dogs and cats that were bought online have been given to Battersea this year.
Ben, 27, bought Joe, an ex-racer greyhound from Battersea last year.
He says it is important that future pet owners go through steps to make sure they are ready. “Buying a pet online should possibly be against the law.”
25-year-old Eva-Marie describes buying her cat, Cokie, on Gumtree, only to give him up months later.
“I was dating a lot and I realised that maybe I was just lonely, so I thought I’d get a cat.”
£100 paid and the cat arrived.
“I didn’t realise how much work it was – that they needed vaccinations against Aids or they couldn’t go outside. He kept knocking glasses of water onto my laptop and cost me £1000 in damage.”
Maria, 44, bought her dog online: “It was an impulse buy – my daughter was doing exams and it was a stress relief.” Three years later, they are still happily together. “He is my joy.”
A spokesperson from Wood Green Animal Charity said they have “noticed a movement online with people buying pets that don’t fit their lifestyle”. They offer advice to guide people before making purchases.
While some people are forming lifelong bonds with their animals, buying online cuts out the vetting process, leaving many unprepared for the responsibility. This is a growing concern for the animal care industry.
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HeadlineOnline advertising creating ‘throwaway’ pets, Battersea Cats and Dogs Home warns
Short HeadlineOnline advertising creating 'throwaway' pets
StandfirstBattersea Dogs and Cats Home warn animals are increasingly sold on social media – and being given up almost straightaway.
The rise of online advertising is leading to a “throwaway culture” with pets, a leading charity has warned.
Last month, licensed sellers were banned from dealing in cats and dogs less than eight weeks old.
But it’s become easier to get your paws on a pet, with the rise of online advertising.
Battersea Dogs and Cats Home say this is leading to a ‘throwaway culture’, where animals are left traumatised, being handed in at just a few days old.
280 dogs and cats that were bought online have been given to Battersea this year.
Ben, 27, bought Joe, an ex-racer greyhound from Battersea last year.
He says it is important that future pet owners go through steps to make sure they are ready. “Buying a pet online should possibly be against the law.”
25-year-old Eva-Marie describes buying her cat, Cokie, on Gumtree, only to give him up months later.
“I was dating a lot and I realised that maybe I was just lonely, so I thought I’d get a cat.”
£100 paid and the cat arrived.
“I didn’t realise how much work it was – that they needed vaccinations against Aids or they couldn’t go outside. He kept knocking glasses of water onto my laptop and cost me £1000 in damage.”
Maria, 44, bought her dog online: “It was an impulse buy – my daughter was doing exams and it was a stress relief.” Three years later, they are still happily together. “He is my joy.”
A spokesperson from Wood Green Animal Charity said they have “noticed a movement online with people buying pets that don’t fit their lifestyle”. They offer advice to guide people before making purchases.
While some people are forming lifelong bonds with their animals, buying online cuts out the vetting process, leaving many unprepared for the responsibility. This is a growing concern for the animal care industry.
Inside Success Union CIC claim to empower vulnerable young people, but allegations of underpayment and concerns over their fundraising practices are undermining their message.
