„Animals are not gifts. If they end up on the gift table, ignorance, carelessness, impatience, or even economic reasons can cause animal suffering,“ says State Secretary Sebastian Thul. „Anyone seriously considering bringing an animal into their home should be aware of a few things beforehand. A pet means a long-term commitment – depending on the animal’s lifespan, up to 20 years or more.“
The effort and time that need to be planned for a pet should not be underestimated. Additionally, there are costs that many people do not initially consider. While a small puppy requires relatively little food, this changes with a fully grown dog. Regular vet visits also add to the expenses, such as vaccinations or deworming. For animals in aquariums or terrariums, electricity costs for water pumps or heat lamps also apply.
Those who have decided to welcome an animal as a new family member at home should rely on trustworthy local sources. A first point of contact can, for example, be the local animal shelter, where one can gather information. The Saarland Ministry for Environment, Climate, Mobility, Agriculture, and Consumer Protection also warns against purchasing animals from the proverbial trunk, from the internet, or from nationwide classified ads.
Background:
Further information and questions on the topic can be found here.
Before a family takes in an animal, they should thoroughly consider questions related to the acquisition. This includes, for example:
Further information can also be found on the homepage of the Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture here.
