During the holiday season, many families consider giving pets as gifts. The Animal Welfare Unit (UBA) of the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Food (MAGA) has issued a reminder that animals are not objects but living beings.
"Behind every wagging tail or purr, there is a being that will depend completely on us," stated the UBA. The agency emphasized that adopting or acquiring a pet means committing to daily care, patience, and dedication throughout the animal's life, not just during December.
The UBA highlighted that pets such as dogs, cats, hamsters, or birds require more than food. They need veterinary attention, a safe environment, socialization, and ongoing care. "It is not a toy to be set aside when the excitement fades; it is a friend who feels joy, fear, illness... and above all, trusts fully in their caregiver," said the statement.
According to Article 13 of the Animal Protection and Welfare Law, owners and caregivers must guarantee five freedoms for animal welfare: providing sanitary and safe conditions, ensuring preventive medicine supervised by an active licensed veterinarian, and offering an environment where animals can behave in a balanced way.
"These obligations have a clear, simple and profound objective: that each animal can live with dignity," the UBA noted.
The agency warned that impulsive decisions during festivities can lead to abandonment and suffering for animals seeking family belonging. "Every gift you offer should have a purpose and in the case of a pet, you are also giving companionship, well-being, responsibility and true love."
The UBA concluded: "An animal does not just fill space in the family; it fills space in the heart and this commitment deserves to be honored from day one. Giving well-being, responsibility and true love is also part of the holidays."
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