bodyType

customContents

entityId

entityUuid

articlePageQuery

filter

article

articleBaseAdvertisingInfoArticle

articleListArticle

articleSeoArticle

helpersCheckIsPostiesArticle

hooksArticleAcknowledgementGateOverlayArticle

hooksTrackPageViewArticle

hooksContentInterestArticle

articleLinkingDataContent

articleSchemaContent

liveArticle

advertZone

sentiment

contentLock

topics

types

sections

moreOnThisArticles

urlAlias

commentCount

sponsorType

authorLocations

authors

paywallTypes

corrections

displaySlideShow

multimediaEmbed

printHeadline

seriesContainer

socialHeadline

headline

flag

firstTopic

glossary

flattenTypeIds

publishedDate

additionalInfoBoxes

images

image

relatedLinks

relatedNewsletters

__typename

createdDate

sponsor

factSheets

series

disableOffPlatformContent

published

updatedDate

summary

subHeadline

body

keywords

copyrighted

customTimezone

liveContents

SCMP Reporter

An animal welfare group is worried about an increase in strays  because of impulsive buying in the Year of the Dog.

The number of abandoned dogs received by the  Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) has gone up from 960 in 2003/04 to 1,095 in 2004/05. The figures include dogs surrendered by their owners as well as strays.

SPCA communication manager Rebecca Ngan Yee-ling said the figure might rise in the coming year.

'There are several reasons why we're worried about the situation,' Ms Ngan said.

'It's the Year of the Dog and you can see things related to dogs everywhere, such as collectible items at fast-food chains and convenient stores.

'These fake dogs are cute and lovable. They don't bark and they don't cost you too much. So people have the misconception that real dogs are the same.

'But  they are totally different. They bark, they need attention and they may get sick once in a while. They could be a burden and the owners should expect a lot of responsibilities.

'People may buy dogs impulsively as they think everyone should have a dog in the Year of the Dog. After some time,  they will get tired of their pets and abandon them.'

The SPCA has been organising talks to teach the public about respect for life. These discussions also help people to learn more about animals, how to take care of them and important things to consider before buying a pet.

'Owning a dog or any kind of pet is a life-long commitment. People should make sure they are ready for it before getting one,' Ms Ngan said.

'If they have doubts, they should come to the SPCA centres to learn more about animals.

'If they want a dog, they should get permission  from their family and from the building or housing management.

'Family members should also compromise on the breed of dog they want. There could be a problem if one member wants a Golden Retriever but  another wants a Schnauzer.

'Different breeds have different characters. People should find one which suits their own personality.'

Ms Ngan encouraged those who really want a dog to adopt one. She said the supply of dogs has exceeded  demand in recent years.

The SPCA cannot  house all the strays and the dogs turned in by their owners, so some have to be put down, Ms Ngan said.

'Including those found on the street, we have about 2,000 dogs coming in to the SPCA every year. We try our best to keep those which are healthy, not aggressive and suitable for adoption. Unfortunately, we still have to put down about  1,000 each year,' she said.

'The public can help save these animals if they avoid impulsive buying and adopt

a pet.'

Besides the SPCA, there are animals waiting to find homes at Lamma Animal Welfare Centre (www.lammaanimals.org) and Hong Kong Dog Rescue (www.hongkongdogrescue.com).



Adopt a dog