MEDIA RELEASE
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12 December, 2017
Blacktown City Council warns pets are lifetime commitments and should not be given as gifts.
“As the operators of the largest Animal Holding Facility in Western Sydney, too often we end up with the mistakes people make,” Chair of Blacktown City Companion Animal Committee, Councillor Chris Quilkey, said.
“Too often unwanted pets end up in the Animal Holding Facility (AHF), because they were not suitable to the house or the new pet owners.
“If you want to give a pet as a gift, why not make a day of it at the AHF where you and your friend or family can adopt the pet that suits your circumstances?
“It is better to go to a shelter facility and adopt the right pet from the huge choice available rather than for the animal to end up with us after Christmas because it was not suitable,” he said.
Blacktown Council’s Animal Education Officer, Jacqueline Benito, reminded pet owners not to forget about their pets during the holiday season.
“Owning a pet is a rewarding experience that comes with big responsibility,” Ms Benito said.
“Pet owners should ensure their animals are healthy, well nourished, groomed, vaccinated, properly exercised and socialised.
“From our experience we know this is the time of year is when our intake increases due to pet owners being away on holidays, and fireworks or summer storms scaring them into running away.
“Make sure gates are secured and fences are checked to ensure pets are safe and contained over the holiday period.”
Human Christmas feasting is not always appropriate for pets, she warned.
“Christmas ham and turkey are suitable for pets but do not feed cooked bones or chocolate, pudding or lollies as these can be toxic.
“Don’t forget to leave out extra water and ensure shade is available on those hot days ahead,” she said.
Here are some tips on how to look after pets:
· Ensure your pet is healthy by providing a proper diet and vet care as well as adequate exercise
· Having clean fresh drinking water always available
· Ensure your pet wears a collar and name tag
· Dogs and cats living in NSW are required to be microchipped by 12 weeks of age and lifetime registered on the NSW Companion Animals Register by6months of age
· Dogs must be on a leash in public
· Dispose of faecal matter in public places
· Holidaymakers should ensure pets have a place to stay or someone to look after them
It is the owner’s responsibility to ensure their pet’s microchip details are kept up to date to allow for address, phone number or email changes.
Council recommends owners add a secondary contact, such as a friend’s mobile or the pet’s regular boarding facility.
Pet microchip details can be changed by logging into the NSW Pet Registry at https://www.petregistry.nsw.
To find out more about responsible pet ownership phone the Animal Holding Facility (9839 6161), ask your local vet or visit Council’s website www.blacktown.nsw.gov.au
Blacktown Councillor Chris Quilkey and Animal Holding Facility Education Officer Jacqueline Benito have encouraged people to adopt a pet from the AHF this Christmas.
Animal Holding Facility Education Officer Jacqueline Benito says not all Christmas treats are good for pets.
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