There has been a large drop in rescues in 2021 compared to 2019. (Submitted photo/Northern Animal Rescue)

By Derek Cornet

animal rescue

NAR asks residents to reconsider gifting pets this Christmas

Dec 14, 2021 | 1:20 PM

Northern Animal Rescue (NAR) is warning tri-community residents to reconsider gifting animals this holiday season.

“We don’t really think it is a great idea to give a puppy, kitten, dog or cat as a Christmas present, especially if it is a surprise gift because the recipient might not be set up to have a pet,” said board member Joanne Dickson.

“It might be really exciting to get a puppy or kitten for the first couple of days, but then the reality of the amount of care it entails and the amount of expense with puppy food, and some of the behaviours that are natural in puppies could be annoying. They are a really long-term commitment.”

For instance, Dickson explained at the start of the pandemic, animal rescue agencies reported an increase in the number of adoptions because people were spending more time at home, but lately there has been an increase in surrenders. She said that’s occurring because people are going back to work and their normal lives and the responsibilities involved with having a pet isn’t compatible.

Dickson also wants people to remember dogs have a lifespan of about 15 years and cats can live beyond 20.

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“We just wanted to reiterate that they are a huge responsibility,” she said. “Pets bond with people and it’s really hard on them when they are in a home setting and then sent to a shelter.”

The last 12 months has continued to be challenging for Northern Animal Rescue as the absence of in-person events due to COVID impacted fundraising efforts.

Dickson noted they were unable to raise as much as they hoped, but they did hold some events online including the current Seasonal Sponsorship Campaign, which has raised about $4,700 so far.

The organization was also the recipient of some grants including one for $8,000 from CanFel. The funds were used to subsidize the cost to have 19 animals spayed or neutered.

“We are still contracted by the town and we also signed a contract to do services in Napatak as well just in September,” Dickson said. “We are on a trial run right now for six months and that’s through Northern Municipal Services. Napatak is the only community in their jurisdiction that has bylaws that have been adopted. That’s why we can provide services there.”

In 2021, Dickson expects NAR to have rescued just over 350 animals which is a significant dip compared to previous years. In 2019, 581 animals were rescued and there were 416 in 2020.

Dickson is hopeful the drop is due to fewer animals being born but added there are other groups from the area and Alberta that have been rescuing pets in outlying communities.

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derek.cornet@pattisonmedia.com

Twitter: @saskjourno