Animal advocates emphasize that a pet is a member of the family and should not be a Christmas present. A shelter in Krakow has stopped accepting puppies and kittens before Christmas.
– We want the whole year to be a good period for accepting animals. But it cannot be based on the principle that the animal is a good gift, but on the principle that the animal is a member of the family and we take care of it from the beginning to the end – said Wanda Schulk, head of the animal care institution in Krakow. Society (KTOZ) that manages the city shelter.
She reported that in the run-up to Christmas, the shelter will stop accepting “baby” pets. He emphasized that the shelter makes responsible adoptions and carefully checks the people who apply to adopt an animal, especially before Christmas. This year, he made the first negative decisions regarding the “gift” of cattle.
According to Shulk, the number of more than 4,400 interventions by KTOZ observers in 2023 shows that new but good homes for pets are always needed. Currently, there are about 500 animals, mainly cats and dogs, in shelters in Krakow.
“They are delivered to us all the time”
According to the manager, especially small animals, such as rabbits, hamsters, rats and guinea pigs, are at risk of being sent to KTOZ. – These are mainly purchased animals, which are often handed over to us, primarily for health reasons, – he noted. In 2023 alone, KTOZ received more than 500 requests for medical assistance. Most of the requests have been approved. Life-saving operations are a priority. The average cost of veterinary surgery is several thousand zlotys.
High cost of animal treatment
Natalya Karolak from the Sarigato Foundation, which helps homeless cats and dogs, says that thoughtless adoptions and purchases are caused by a lack of awareness of various animal care issues. As a result, the animal suffers, loses its home and stays in an institution. This situation also creates the necessary expenses for the care of your furry dog.
– I remember the story of an adopted dog that returned to the shelter after several years. He had serious health problems caused by poor nutrition. The owners did not pay attention to him, which affected his behavior. A series of veterinary and behavioral consultations were needed, which meant spending about 3-4 thousand PLN, recalled Karolak.
He mentioned another example: a dog weighing 20 kilograms is suddenly returned to the shelter. It turns out that the family that adopted him did not provide basic conditions. During the veterinary examination, malnourishment and defects, as well as aggressive behavior with deep fear were revealed. This led to long-term treatment.
– Drug treatment, visit to the vet, starving the animal – all this and takes a lot of time, it can take more than half a year and cost up to PLN 10,000. PLN – said the employee of the fund.
According to the Chief Veterinary Officer, approximately 82,000 people will stay in animal shelters in 2023. dogs and about 35,500 cats. According to NGOs, the number of homeless animals is much higher.
Main image source: Shutterstock
