ASPIRING dog owners are being urged not to consider adopted a four-legged friend this Christmas unless they are prepared to take care of them properly.
The warning a dog is for the future and not for the present came from the county’s tireless dog warden Pip Singleton who hopes Worcester residents will think twice before picking up a pet as a present.
In more than three decades as Worcestershire’s dog warden and animal welfare officer, Pip has seen hundreds of unwanted animals tossed out onto the streets after being neglected or even cruelly treated. Sometimes the injuries have been so severe, some animals have died from them.
Just last month Mojo was picked up in the city and was basically skin and bone with matted, smelly fur.
Pip, who works for Worcestershire Regulatory Services, said: “All Mojo needed was to be fed, watered, groomed and loved.
“Covering the basic needs are part and parcel of owning a dog and unless you are prepared to do this, at least, then do not consider getting a dog for Christmas or any other time of the year.
“To get into such an awful condition, Mojo would have been neglected for a long time which is absolutely abhorrent and how people can watch an animal suffer is beyond me.”
Anyone considering taking on a four-legged friend or facing difficulties caring for a pet they currently have is asked to speak to the team on 01905 822799.
