Animal shelters in Australia have noticed a spike in the number of animals being 'abandoned' over the festive period and they reckon it's because owners don't want to have to pay the usually expensive fees for a kennel or cattery.
Australian Animal Protection Society vice-president Sue Thompson told The Age: "Quite often people go overseas for Christmas holidays and because it costs so much for kennels, they would prefer to get rid of them."
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Incredibly, Ms Thompson said some families try to adopt their pet when they get back from their holiday.
She said: "They ring when they are back from holidays and ask if they can adopt their own pet back. We would never allow that."
She warned against people thinking that leaving enough food and water out for their pet while they go away as that can often turn out 'nasty'. Leaving a pet indoors can also cause complications because it can get incredibly hot inside.
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Lost Dogs Home's Fae Pawley also told The Age that it's heartbreaking to see an animal that has probably been in a family for years being dumped on their doorstep.
She said: "We do receive an influx of dogs as people are having events at this time of year, with gates and doors being left open.
"Occasionally, people let their dogs out knowing they will be picked by the council. They let them out on purpose because they don't want to pay for the boarding fees."
While fees can be expensive, how could you look your pet in the eyes and let it run out the door or deliberately leave them out?
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Please, if you're going away and struggling to find an affordable and safe place to put your pet ask around and see if someone, anyone, can help you out.
Featured Image Credit: PATopics: News, Animals, Australia