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Collaboration Needed To Combat 'Credit Crunch Cast Outs'

15 years ago
2153 views

Posted
27th May, 2009 00h00


Vets from online pet companies are calling for industry wide collaboration to combat the predicted rise in animal abandonment this year. Andrew Bucher from socially responsible online pet pharmacy MedicAnimal.com and Catherine Henstridge from PetStreet.co.uk, the social networking site for pet owners, are championing greater cooperation between the pet industry, animal welfare groups, pet owners and importantly the public to combat animal abandonment in England and Wales which increased by 57 per cent in 2009. Animal welfare organisations, including the RSPCA and Dogs Trust, believe people are blaming the credit crunch for abandoning their animals. Some people are facing eviction or moving into cheaper or rented accommodation where pets aren’t welcome. Pets are then being forced to fend for themselves. In a recent Petstreet.co.uk video interview, David Grant, Director of the RSPCA’s non-profit Sir Harold Harmsworth Memorial Veterinary Hospital said, “We’re getting to crisis stages. We’re running out of cages. A lot of people get a dog, and they should not have one. I doubt whether they can look after themselves. They certainly can’t look after animals and it’s the animals that suffer. We are a third world country when it comes to the cruelty associated with dogs. It’s not a civilised country. The area around here is awash with staffie crossed dogs. They’re being got on a whim by people who don’t understand anything about responsible dog ownership, We’re seeing a lot of cruelty associated with that, and we’re seeing a lot of abandonment. One of the things at some time will need to be looked at is some form of dog registration.” Andrew Bucher from MedicAnimal.com said, “We are working closer with charities and our commercial partners to combat this trend of casting out cats, dogs and other pets. Summer is typically a time when animal abandonment traditionally spikes, so time is of the essence to get prepared for what might be unusually high levels. It’s good to see PetStreet.co.uk running a forum about responsible, cost-conscious pet care ideas. They’re also encouraging pet owners to share pet care responsibilities with other pet lovers during difficult times. Dogs Trust are also offering great information to people that may have to move house due to the credit crunch with letswithpets.org.uk.” Catherine Henstridge from PetStreet.co.uk said, “The pet care sector must prepare for levels of abandonment to soar in response to the economic downturn. We need to educate and offer solutions to cash-strapped owners. Companies can contribute to animal welfare organisations, make every effort to keep pet care affordable and offer advice and support on their websites.” The Harmsworth Hospital is working with MedicAnimal.com to lower the price of prescription products to its clients, particularly for the more costly ongoing treatments. Mr Grant said, “Our work with MedicAnimal.com is helping to solve this problem for the Harmsworth’s clients. They can buy speciality foods at significantly lower prices and have them delivered directly to their home for free. The ease and affordability with which these products can be obtained makes it far more likely for pet owners to continue an ongoing treatment. MedicAnimal.com works with vets and contributes five per cent of its profits to charities, so it sits well with the RSPCA.” MedicAnimal.com and PetStreet.co.uk are suggesting the following tips to animal owners to manage the cost of their animal healthcare. About MedicAnimal.com MedicAnimal.com is the socially responsible alternative in pet health care. A company of veterinary surgeons, pharmacists, and pet owners across Europe, MedicAnimal.com is committed to: providing the most affordable and convenient pet care; working with animal charities to provide increase awareness and support for their cause ; and working in collaboration, rather than in competition, with vets to provide clients with the best overall care for their pets. MedicAnimal.com is a dispensary working with and on behalf of, licensed veterinary clinics. They offer the exact same products that you currently buy from your vet but at significant discounts. All products are UK sourced and all medicines are dispensed by UK qualified practicing veterinary surgeons and pharmacists. About PetStreet.co.uk PetStreet.co.uk is a social networking site for pet owners, with profile pages, pet news, an online vet, competitions, a shop and forums. PetStreet offers fact sheets and films on a wide range of topics and promotes responsible pet ownership.

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