It is common to see that some of the gifts most desired by the little ones on these holidays is a pet. However, animal advocates recommend that they do not buy animals on the internet or in street ads as they could be very expensive.

The Los Angeles Animal Cruelty Prevention Society (spcaLA) emphasizes that, mainly, puppies advertised for sale by “backyard breeders” are often underweight, ill, and are too young for adoption, resulting in distress and a high financial cost.

"Usually, these puppies, who are raised only for money, live in dirty conditions without proper medical care," said Madeline Bernstein, president of spcaLA. “Do not support a cruel and inhuman company. Without a buyer, this criminal behavior will not be rewarded. ”

A case was recently announced in the news about a man who sold sick puppies to more than two dozen victims. The suspect, identified as Gustavo González, was charged with 73 criminal charges for selling the puppies that became ill shortly after being sold.

Gonzalez has been in custody since June 2019 with a bond of $ 1,055,000.

SpcaLA recommends that you better adopt your next pet. Either with them or with a humanitarian society, a city or county shelter, or a reputable rescue center.

These entities are usually committed to the welfare of animals by providing adequate nutritional and veterinary visits.

Adopt as a family, instead of buying an animal as a surprise gift, animal advocates recommend.

Animal advocates recommend that you better adopt a pet instead of buying it. (Jacqueline García)

"It is in the best interest of everyone to meet before bringing a pet home," said Denise Jakcsy, senior director of companion animal services at spcaLA. "Take a day visiting a pet adoption center together," he added.

Once you have chosen your pet, check current living conditions and medical records for the quality of care.

That, along with a book on pet care, will be a great gift and the journey of responsible pet ownership will begin.

Tips for a smooth celebration

If you already have pets at home it is recommended to consider the following tips to avoid tragedies:

Keep Christmas plants out of reach of pets — such as Easter flowers or good night, holly, mistletoe, and hibiscus — as they can be toxic.

Do not give your pet chocolate as it is also toxic.

Small decorations and tinsel may seem very appetizing for pets, but they can be lethal if ingested. Use tape or thread instead of metal hooks to hang ornaments that can be harmful if chewed or swallowed.

Cover the aisles with ribbons and cable covers as pets can suffer burns and electrocution when chewing through electrical wires. Do not expose the cables, cover them with adhesive tape or use plastic pipes available at hardware stores.

Bells may ring and children can sing, but their pets may need a quiet place to retire. During the Christmas holidays, secure your pets in a separate room with your favorite toys, a cozy pet bed and soft music. Pets that have their own room will feel safer, less stressed and cannot accidentally escape through the front door.

Dogs and cats should wear a collar with identification. tags at all times, in addition to the microchip. Make sure the information is up to date.

Be careful with candles as curious pets can flip them and throw them away or they can burn with the flame.

Turkey and salsa are a festive holiday for humans but not for pets. Over time, fatty foods such as turkey skin and sauce can cause your pet to develop pancreatitis, which can be deadly. Also, do not give your pets leftover bones from food because they can be splinters that would be fatal to your pets.

For more information on this and other adoption recommendations as well as care for your next or current pet visit: https://spcala.com

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