THE ISPCA HAS warned against buying a pet for someone as a surprise Christmas gift after it rescued two malnourished Red Setter dogs from a home in Sligo.

The dogs were living in a waterlogged back garden full of dangerous materials. They were seized by Inspector Karen Lyons and brought to the ISPCA National Animal Care Centre for veterinary treatment.

Both animals were severely underweight and had painful mats in their fur.

“The dogs were not only in bad physical shape, but their living conditions were completely unacceptable,” said Inspector Lyons.

They had very little space to move around the garden with hazardous objects scattered everywhere. We are pleased that they are now receiving the treatment they need at the National Animal Centre.

Both of the dogs have already been re-homed and the ISPCA said that they were in good condition following the rescue.

No surprises

On the back off the rescue, the charity warned against buying a pet as a surprise Christmas gift, saying that proper consideration needed to be taken when deciding to buy a pet.

“Researching the right pet for your household and lifestyle is very important,” said the organisation.

“Taking on a pet is a long term commitment that can affect your life for the next 15 years so it is important to ensure you have adequate time and financial resources to care for your pet responsibly.”

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