People need to research the costs associated with having a pet. That's according to Tina Boyle from the Cavan branch of the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty of Animals who says that people also need to realise their actual commitment to a pet before they get one.
Speaking to Northern Sound, Tina said that with the cost of living crisis now evident, the organisation is becoming more and more dependent on the generosity of others. But more importantly, she added, pets are being dumped and forgotten about because there is less and less money available to the owner to care for them.
Tina said the number of animals coming to the shelter is increasing in tandem with the cost of living crisis. "We would get some people handing in dogs because the cost is too much.
"Some animals are getting dumped out. People aren't aware sometimes but there are mounting costs if an animal is sick or has a health condition."
