More Danes abandoning their pets

Nearly 4,000 animals deserted by callous owners last year

In 2015, 3,998 pets were deserted by their owners.

That is an increase of 70 percent in one year, according to animal protection agency Dyrenes Beskyttelse.

The organisation has seen a staggering increase in the number of animals that are abandoned – tied to a lamppost or packed in cardboard boxes at rest areas and in underground car parks.

“It is shameful that people will not take responsibility for their animals,” Dyrenes Beskyttelse vice president Jørn Rørvang told DR Nyheder.

“Too many pet owners leave their pets behind when they do not want to care for them any more.”

Harsh but humane
Rørvang had a sad but humane request for those considering parting company with a pet.

“If you have an old dog or cat that no longer fits into your home, which you cannot find a place for, the most humane thing to do is to go to a veterinarian and have the animal euthanised.”

READ MORE: Danes increasingly throwing out cats with the rubbish

Rørvang said that pet owners with younger animals they no longer wanted should contact Dyrenes Beskyttelse.

“Some options may cost a bit, but they will make sure that the pet is taken care of properly,” he said.





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