After seeing numerous posts on social media of influencers and instagram and twitter users purchasing puppies over the lockdown period, it got me thinking about just how many people were doing this. What better time to get yourself a pet than during a global pandemic?
I was intrigued by why so many of us are attracted to getting a furry companion for lockdown and how these puppies were being bred and distributed out so quickly in such large volumes. I wanted to investigate this in Pandemic Pets.
According to government research, there has been a whopping increase of 125% in adverts posted across online marketplaces during lockdown for puppies, kittens, dogs, and cats with the demand of the public wanting a companion in the past few months and unforeseeable future.
This documentary will be exploring the reasons behind why we are so obsessed with having a furry companion especially during a time where we are adjusting to a new 'normal'.
However, with a pandemic comes challenging and devastating effects on all aspects of life. Take 'Casper the friendless cat' as an example.
Casper was abandoned in a park and turned into Battersea with a note saying his owner had lost their job during the lockdown and could no longer afford to care for him. The note explained they had been able to find homes for their other pets but could not find anyone to take on two-year-old Casper because of ongoing medical requirements.
Mayhew found a new home for anxious and lonely Shar Pei, Bella Boo, who was handed into the centre due to her owner having to work 12-hour shifts as a key worker.
The cost of a dog or a cat is estimated to cost an average of £17,000-£30,000 over their lifetime. For those struggling in the Pandemic with being furloughed and losing jobs, it's hard to ignore the effects this may have on ourselves and caring for our pets.
It is also estimated that one in four new dog owners may have purchased their dog from a puppy farm, which is now illegal with the government introducing 'Lucy's Law' earlier this year.
Expect to hear from experts about the complications of purchasing from puppy farms as well as the emotional impact pets have on us as many of us struggle with emotions like stress, grief, and anxiety during the Covid-19 pandemic.
So far I have secured brilliant interviews with Head of Public Affairs for the RSPCA, David Bowles, and Deputy Head of Animal Welfare at Mayhew Animal Home, Tanya Madden.
Stay tuned to the blog for the latest on the project.
Commenti