Wales endorses Dogs Trust Xmas campaign
Members of the Welsh Assembly have voted to support a Dogs Trust Christmas Campaign designed to reduce the number of puppies being abandoned by their owners after Christmas.
The charity is hoping to prevent a sudden surge in abandonment of puppies. Every year, animal charities are overwhelmed by pets bought for Christmas being abandoned after the novelty wears off or when owners are confronted by the requirements of caring for a pet.
The Assembly Members were reassured to hear that a Dogs Trust poll taken in October 2011 found that only 6% of Welsh parents would be willing to buy their children a puppy as a Christmas present. The same poll also indicated that a third of Welsh parents would also consider rehoming a rescue centre dog.
Responding to the news, Laura Vallance, Public Affairs Manager for the Dogs Trust, said: “Our Christmas campaign is as important now as it has ever been as our Rehoming Centre in Bridgend is already full to capacity with stray and abandoned dogs. The centre will go to great effort to ensure any unwanted Christmas puppies are cared for, but it will be a struggle. I am hugely thankful for the valued and vital support so many AMs have shown us and for their help with highlighting our Christmas message in Wales."
She added: "We hope that people will be mindful that a dog is for life not just for Christmas.”
Veterinary practices are being urged to help owners safely dispose of any unused and expired pet medicines - not just antibiotics - during November's Animal Medicines Amnesty. 
