It is an endearing image, popularized by movies and spread tirelessly in social networks: someone opens a box decorated with a bow and, from inside, a shy and adorable puppy appears who, without knowing it, has become ‘the perfect gift’. However, behind this gesture full of tenderness and good intentions hides a much less kind reality. Giving a living being is an enormous responsibility. which frequently ends up translating into abandonment and suffering for the animal.
According to the study ‘He would never do it. Abandonment and adoption study’ by Affinity Foundationin 2023 33 dogs and cats were abandoned every hour in Spain. Among the main causes of abandonment, loss of interest in the animal (13%) and behavioral problems (12%) stand out. Two reasons that reflect how impulsive decisions, such as the acquisition or gift of pets Without prior planning, they end up costing the animals and, ultimately, the entire society dearly.
Many of the animals that enter homes during these festive dates are requests made by children, who ask Santa Claus already the Three Wise Men a pet. To raise awareness about this problem from childhood, the Royal Canine Society of Spain (RSCE) has launched the educational program ‘I’m prettier on the inside’which takes place in schools and seeks to explain to the little ones “what it means to take care of an animal and the importance of responsible ownership, beyond the emotion of the moment,” as the organization points out. Along the same lines, the General Directorate of Animal Rights launched the campaign in October ‘More than an animal’which recalls the need to have family consensus before incorporating a dog into the home and emphasizes that animals are not toys, nor should they be treated as such.
Impulse purchases: the risk of the Internet and scams
Buying puppies Internet It is another of the most serious problems during these dates. The Civil Guardthrough the Nature Protection Service (SEPRONA)works intensely to detect and stop these illegal practices, especially in the Christmas season, when transaction numbers skyrocket. Amalia Del Valle, spokesperson for SEPRONA, warns that “citizens should be wary of offers that do not include complete documentation of the animals, as well as those that do not have a microchip or legal identification.”
In case of suspicion or scam, the recommendation is clear: “You can report these cases to SEPRONA through an email to [email protected], [email protected] and [email protected] or the emergency number 062as well as in police stations either Civil Guard barracks”, explains the spokesperson.
How to recognize illegal sellers?
The Internet has become the perfect breeding ground for the fraudulent animal trade. Social networks and advertising platforms on-line They are full of offers that hide inhumane and dangerous practices. SEPRONA points out several key indicators that can alert buyers to possible fraud:
- Companies that ‘rescue’ animals: Many associations use the pretext of rescue to illegally move pets without complying with the transportation requirements established by the European Union (Regulation 2016/429).
- Suspected countries of origin: Romania, Slovakia, Czech Republic, Moldova, Bulgaria, Hungary, Ukraine, Russia, Serbia and Poland are countries known for hosting massive multi-breed breeding farms where animals live in deplorable conditions.
- High demand breeds: Breeds like him french bulldog, pomeranian, doberman, poodle either chihuahua They are especially vulnerable to illegal trade due to their price and popularity.
In the words of the spokesperson agent, “these animals are often raised on farms outside the EU, in extremely bad conditionwith little or no regard for the health or well-being of the animals, including their transport conditions.” SEPRONA works to locate these offenders through control operations at fairs, inspections on digital platforms and collaboration with customs and international organizations.
A coordinated action at European level
At the international level, the European Commission and the European Network to Fight Agri-Food Fraud have launched a Coordinated Control Action to combat illegal animal trade of company. The objective is twofold: to dismantle organized crime networks and protect public and animal health. This initiative combines commercial data analysis with practical training on the risks associated with the movement of animals.
“The illegal animal trade not only represents a problem of abuse, but also represents a significant biological risk“, emphasizes the SEPRONA spokesperson. In this sense, the inspections, in addition to looking for irregularities in the documentation, also detect cases of animal abuse and guarantee that the trips comply with current regulations.
A commitment to #AllYourLife
The international animal protection organization Four Paws has also added to the warning in the month when more animals are purchased as gifts: “If you are thinking of adding a dog to your family, The first thing is to do a deep reflection. Can you bear the cost of veterinary bills? Who will take care of it during your vacation? Do you have the time necessary to walk him several times a day, whatever the weather?” asks Andrea Weber, responsible for the Responsible Ownership program at Four Paws.
Weber also warns of the risks of purchases through unverified platforms and alerts about suspicious practices: “Many of these offers come from breeding farms that prioritize aesthetics and demand over the well-being of the animal. “Dogs raised in these conditions usually have chronic health problems throughout their lives.”
Giving the gift of any type of pet for Christmas may seem like an exciting gesture, but it is a decision that should never be taken lightly. Introducing a new non-human family member involves a years-long commitment, requiring time, resources and dedication.
From Animaleros we want to remember that The true gift for a pet is a responsible home, where it is cared for and respected throughout its life.
