Post-Christmas pet regret: DAERA and USPCA warn against abandonment
- Love Ballymena
- 3 minutes ago
- 3 min read
USPCA Chief Executive Heather Weir with DAERA Minister Andrew Muir at the USPCA shelter in Newry.
The festive glow may have faded, but for some animals across Northern Ireland, the fallout is only beginning.
The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) and the Ulster Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (USPCA) are urging the public to think twice before abandoning a pet in the wake of post-Christmas “pet regret”.
Each year, once the excitement of a new puppy or kitten subsides, rescue centres see a familiar and troubling pattern: animals left behind when the reality of care proves more demanding than expected.
The message from officials and animal welfare leaders is clear — abandonment is not only devastating for animals, it is illegal.
During a visit to USPCA Headquarters in Newry, DAERA Minister Andrew Muir stressed the seriousness of the issue.
“Every animal deserves to be treated with respect and care. Animal welfare is a priority for me, and I’ve set out a pathway to help improve animal welfare standards.
“One of my key reforms is to increase public understanding of what responsible dog ownership involves. DAERA will continue to work alongside animal welfare organisations such as the USPCA in order to increase the number of well loved and cared for pets as well as helping to reduce the number of animals being abandoned.
“My Department has produced a helpful guide on dog ownership as part of this and I would encourage anyone to considering getting a pet to read it. Abandoning animals without ensuring their welfare is provided for, is unacceptable and illegal. Anyone found guilty of abandoning an animal can face severe penalties.”
Animal welfare groups say the consequences ripple far beyond the individual pet. Neglected animals may suffer malnutrition, untreated injuries or illness. Rescue and rehoming organisations — already operating under pressure — must absorb the financial and practical burden.
Heather Weir, Chief Executive of the USPCA, said the charity sees the reality first-hand every January.
“Here at USPCA, we understand the joy that our companion animals bring. Our team, our vets, and volunteers also understand the responsibilities that pet ownership brings.
“Unfortunately, at this time of the year, we also see the consequences when things don’t work out - animals abandoned, unwell and neglected. Last year we rescued 259 abandoned dogs and rehomed 368 companion animals.
“We ask anyone thinking of bringing an animal into their home to answer some simple but important questions: Is a dog right for me? Is my home right for a dog? Is my family’s lifestyle suited to caring for a dog? And do I have the financial resources to cover expenses?
“We support responsible pet ownership where we can by providing over 7000 food parcels to 51 food banks across Northern Ireland, offering a discounted neutering scheme and through our Pet Pledge scheme which ensures much-loved pets are looked after when the unexpected happens.”
While circumstances can change unexpectedly, both DAERA and the USPCA stress that owners remain responsible for ensuring their pet’s welfare, including arranging safe rehoming if they can no longer provide proper care.
Further information on the responsibilities of owning an animal and what to do if you have an animal welfare concern is available on NI Direct:
DAERA’s Responsible Dog Ownership Guide can be viewed at:
Details of the USPCA’s support initiatives for pet owners are available at:
As the festive season fades, the call from animal welfare leaders is simple but urgent: bringing a pet into your life is a long-term commitment — not a seasonal one.