SOUTHEASTERN, N.C. — A puppy under the Christmas tree might sound like a good idea, but animal rights groups strongly urge against it.
Local and national animal advocates encourage hopeful pet owners to wait until after the holidays to welcome a new animal in their home.
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People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) cites a national trend, in which animals are turned back into shelters shortly after Christmas. This spike can overload shelters, according to animal rights groups.
RescueConnect’s co-founder, Ava Werstlein, told Port City Daily last year that her group analyzes local euthanasia data to encourage people to adopt instead of looking for a breeder.
Still, adopting should be a “forever” choice, Werstlein said. “Instead of a puppy under the tree, I would recommend a box with a leash and a collar,” she said. “We limit options this time of ear because we want people to go into the mindset that adoption is forever.”
Belinda Musgrove, Brunswick County’s adoption coordinator, said, fortunately, the county’s animal shelter experiences does not have issues with over-crowding after the holidays.
“We are so thankful we do not fit into those categories,” she wrote in an email.
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