Abandonment – a crime, pledge NO & NEVER!

Bhavani Sundaram
As an Animal Lover and Activist I am appalled at the rate at which animals, pets are abandoned and lost thanks to rresponsible pet parents. Shelters and animal NGOs are struggling with the increasing rate of abandonment. The sad part is they are left to die a slow, painful, and lonely death unless they are lucky enough to be rescued.
Tying an animal to a bench and leaving it to die, it is nothing less than a criminal offence. Pets give us constant love, affection and loyalty and we repay them by murder! If rescued will they ever be able to trust again? Pet abandonment is happening every day, right in front of our eyes. It leads to many animals dying a slow painful death waiting for their pet parents.
Abandonment a crime
Dumping a pet is the worst stage of abandonment. They are left confused and possibly injured. At first they do not nderstand what’s happening to them and think they have done something wrong for which they are being punished. Some people tie dogs to trees, benches, poles, even bins, etc. I’ve also heard some people dump in one of the most inhumane manners – taking them for a car ride, driving slowly, and then pushing them out. Not only is this painful and gruesome, but the little fellows try to wander back into the road in an attempt to follow the vehicle, which increase the chances of him being hit by a vehicle.When people move houses and their new housing society doesn’t accept pets, many leave them behind. It’s just a atter of time that the food and water left behind gets over and the pet starves to death or dies of dehydration. A dog with dehydration will have low blood pressure; their major organs will shut down and then in only a few hours, it will die of organ failure. Pets are also dumped in forests in such pathetic conditions – in cardboard boxes or stuffed into bags.Most re-homed animals go on to love their new pet parents all the same but they may always be confused about why their first pet parents left them. Sadly not all abandoned animals are fit for adoption. After being starved and left to die, dogs tend to become aggressive. It’s a traumatic experience for them.
Pet parenting—a responsibility for life
All of this falls down to one aspect of pet parenting – responsibilities. When you buy / adopt or receive a pet, you are taking the  responsibility of lifelong care. You should be prepared for their long-term needs – food, vet costs, health hallenges. Vet costs can be a serious issue and money has been a problem for people who want to spay/neuter their animals. There are many organisations that help people find new homes for their animals so there is no excuse to abandon your pets. A puppy is always enthusiastic and the energies need to be channelised. The exuberance which a pup displays can be termed as bad behaviour & aggression by new pet parents who do not understand the nature & psychology of dogs. Common animal behaviour problems in cats and dogs include house soiling, fear-based behaviour, aggression, disruptive behaviour, compulsive ehaviour and separation anxiety. All of these can be hard for a pet parent.
Always be there
When you want your pet in your happiness, then why abandon them during their sorrow or injury? Think very carefully before bringing home a pet. Are you really going to have enough time to look after your pet? Are you willing to commit time every day to walk your dog? Do you have enough money for vet bills if they come around? If not, do not risk their happiness. Why make them suffer when they bring you so much joy? When they are always there for you? Why should they pay for your ignorance? You have the choice so don’t get an animal if you cannot afford it. Do not discard them like a toy if you get bored! Help stop this atrocious crime! (Bhavani Sundaram is an animal lover and activist from Himachal Pradesh)
Some reasons behind abandonment
Some reasons being:

• Pet parents find they cannot understand the nature or behaviour of their new pet.
• Unexpected pregnancy
• Allergic to animals
• They are moving to a new society or home where pets are not allowed or there is no enough room.
• Old age & disease
• Expecting a child
• Children not interested
• Too expensive, etc.