Jim Shannon, MP for Strangford, has welcomed the news that the number of stray dogs put down in Northern Ireland has fallen by 30% in the past year.
The Dog’s Trust who rehome dogs across the UK have highlighted these figures and it is a timely reminder especially when the attention of children begins to turn to their Santa letters that it is made clear that dogs are for life ….. not just for Christmas.
“I know that Assisi after a few checks are happy to rehouse dogs with loving families and I believe that rehousing dogs or getting a ‘rescue dog’ as celebs have made popular, is a sensible approach if as a family you have determined to get a pet dog.
“There is no doubt that the microchipping initiative has played a massive part in the lowering of the amount of animals needlessly put down and this initiative will, I hope, continue to see this number lowered again next year.
“A dog really is man’s best friend and we must repay the loyalty that they give to us by ensuring that our animals are loved and well taken care of, and again I urge that serious consideration is given to whether a dog fits into the family schedule before being bought this Christmas.”
