NSW Local Government Minister Don Page has urged people who are thinking of buying a pet as a Christmas gift to consider whether the person or family for whom you are buying the pet is capable and willing to care for it – and has a suitable property to house it.

“On face value, a new pet seems like a cute and friendly gift to give someone, but those generous people thinking of giving such a gift should make sure the recipient actually wants a new pet, or indeed is capable of having a pet,” Mr Page said.

“Owning a pet is an eight, 10 or even 12-year commitment – it is a responsibility for the lifetime of the pet.

“As the Minister responsible for the Companion Animals Act, I have become well aware of the number of pets – particularly cats and dogs – which are given as gifts by people thinking it is a lovely gesture when, in fact, it can lead to the pet being dumped or given back to the pound after only a short time with its intended owners.”

Mr Page’s comments come three months after he established the Companion Animals Taskforce to reduce the number of dogs and cats in NSW pounds.

In the past five years, 150,000 cats and dogs were euthanased in NSW pounds – about one out of every three dogs in pounds are euthanased, and about seven out of 10 cats.

“The statistics are saddening and are the reason the Taskforce was set up,” Mr Page said.

The Companion Animals Taskforce is chaired by Charlestown MP Andrew Cornwell, a veterinary surgeon, and is investigating issues including animal breeding practices, puppy farms, de-sexing, micro-chipping, lifetime registration of cats and dogs, and developing initiatives to promote responsible pet ownership.

“If you are considering buying someone a pet as a Christmas present, check first to ensure that they are happy with the responsibility,” Mr Cornwell said.

“It might not be quite the same surprise, but you will be protecting an innocent animal.

“And it is important that anyone thinking of buying a pet – for themselves, their families or as a surprise for someone – ensures that it is an appropriate pet for their circumstances.”

The Companion Animals Taskforce welcomes community input. For information on it, click the link for it at the Division of Local Government website, www.dlg.nsw.gov.au.