We are saddened to hear about the death of Mr Chai, the Pomeranian puppy bought by Tommy Fury for his girlfriend Molly-Mae Hague. Sadly, his case reflects the huge gamble people face when buying pets online and especially from abroad.
People can become fixated on having certain “trendy” breeds, but we’d urge them to really do their research and to consider rescuing a pet based on the pet’s personality, not just their looks.
Teams at our hospitals and rehoming centres face the painful reality when critically ill pets, sold by irresponsible breeders and dealers, arrive at our doors — but suffering doesn’t discriminate between those puppies bought illegally or legally. The laws do not go far enough to protect pets and people. The only way to stem the flow of suffering for animals like Mr Chai is if we introduce an effective registration and licensing system and ensure it is enforced.
Kelly Grellier Director of Rehoming Services, Blue Cross
Editor's reply
Dear Kelly
You are right to highlight the need for greater pet protection. There has been a spike in cat and dog-buying during lockdown — they can boost your mood and are great companions at this lonely time. What’s critical is that people purchase responsibly, and ideally, adopt. Centres like Battersea Dogs and Cats Home are open now for rehoming, though charities predict the peak of abandonment will be the end of lockdown. Anyone serious about getting a pet would be wise to wait until then.
Katie Strick, Features Writer
Get measure of social distance
The Government insists that the two-metre rule is to save lives and is based on scientific advice. How is it that our European neighbours, also relying on scientific advice, have decided on one or 1.5 metres? As schools and buinsesses seek ways to reopen, a reduction in distance will make a big difference.
Daphne Brotherton
