Elyse Posted January 14, 2012 Report Share Posted January 14, 2012 There has been a sharp rise in the number of sick pets being abandoned or neglected by owners who can’t afford to look after them, officials say. The Calgary Humane Society has seen 75 per cent more cases of medical neglect in the last four years, said animal protection and investigations officer Brad Nichols. “The recession back in 2008, that's when we started seeing a rise in these types of cases, where people simply couldn't afford to treat their animals,†he said. Nichols said 80 per cent of the charges laid last year were a result of those neglect cases. “When there's prolonged or severe suffering that's involved that isn't addressed, that's where you're going to see prosecutions.†People should be aware of the costs associated with owning a pet, he said. “I think a lot of people buy animals impulsively and don't think about the costs down the road that doesn't make those people bad or evil but when it gets to a point where the animal has suffered there's a legal aspect to it too,†he said. It costs about $1,000 per year to care for an average, healthy dog, while a cat or a rabbit costs about $500, he said. And owners should also have a couple thousand dollars set aside in case of emergencies, Nichols added. Source: Yahoo News! http://ca.news.yahoo.com/neglect-sick-pets-rise-officials-144700943.html Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rosemary Posted January 14, 2012 Report Share Posted January 14, 2012 unfortunately, it is always the animals who are the first to suffer. With the cost of veterinary care, I am not surprised that so many people don't or are unable to take proper care of their animals. It is so easy to say people should be aware of the costs of owning a pet - a lot of people loose their jobs when the economy crashes and things spiral out of control. I feel very, very sorry for anyone who finds themselves in a situation where they are unable to provide for those in their care. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HuskyMom09 Posted January 14, 2012 Report Share Posted January 14, 2012 It's been hard, no lies. Since my husband lost his job almost 2 years ago with no sign of him getting a job anytime soon we have had to make some pretty drastic changes in our life to make sure our 9 kids are healthy and happy and first priority on our list. I'm working 2 jobs and taking on overtime while going to school (finals on tues!) I'm spread thin. But my babies are cared for Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Biggles Posted January 14, 2012 Report Share Posted January 14, 2012 I think just as bad was a recent newspaper article where they cited the number of people who are making their animals sick/die to be able to claim on their pet insurance, maybe this is why my recent pet insurance renewal cost has gone through the roof. Definitely going to shop around they (More Than) want £421.80 and this is with a discount for owning two dogs. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sarah Posted January 14, 2012 Report Share Posted January 14, 2012 Pet insurance isn't always the way to go I don't think? It's a gamble in some ways - it can be a relief if something bad happens and you need a fair few thousand pounds there and then, or if they get a life long illness that would be covered under the insurance. My boys have always been insured, i've paid out £30 a month for 4 years - never claimed. Some people pay money into a savings account each month in case of the worse, but i think with the attitude that's growing in this generation now - people want what they can't have and rather than save like they used to 20 / 30 years ago they get it on credit etc and pay normally double than what they would have paid if they had waited. I think it's inevitable when the economic climate changes for the worse, the animals are always the ones that suffer and I think the rescues are seeing that more and more as well Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
naomiJayne Posted January 14, 2012 Report Share Posted January 14, 2012 I don't know if it's the same in england (or elsewhere) as it is in wales but if your on benefits you get discounts on animal care. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lovemysiberian Posted January 14, 2012 Report Share Posted January 14, 2012 It's really sad, I have seen this a lot at the Humane Society I work at as well. Animals definetly are always the first to suffer Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ravenwolf Posted January 14, 2012 Report Share Posted January 14, 2012 This will fast turn into a rant because this is a subject that pisses me right off. The problem is that the "recession" in Alberta wasn't/isn't as bad as all that - especially not compared to what many other parts of the world have endured. What essentially happened was a job boom that drove housing prices into the absurd, and now that's tapered off and houses aren't affordable. A friend of mine bought at the height of the boom, then lost her job and couldn't find one that paid well enough to make her mortgage payments. When she sold her house she sold it at a huge loss. I'm sure there are lots of tragic stories like this, but it's not the majority. But that being said, I still don't think there's any excuse for not being able to to treat your pet. Yes, I'm sure there are people out there who end up with unexpectedly large vet bills with no way to cover them and have to make that brutal decision for a beloved pet, but I'd be willing to wager any sum that the majority of it is ignorance rather than hardship. That new car/new shoes/new couch/dining out/etc is just more important than saving some money to ensure you can properly care for your pet. They may be heartbroken because they love their pet, but not so much that they're willing to buy knock-off instead of brand name. The lack of sense people have when it comes to their finances - compounded with the pressures of capitalism - astounds me. People have no clue how much of their money they need to earmark for expenses, so just spend the lump of what's in their bank account, then wank and moan because they have no savings and no money and a balance on their credit card. These people don't get my sympathy because they aren't living within their means. They want a steak lifestyle on a hamburger budget, and bury themselves to get it. Their mantra is "fun now, pay it off later," instead of "save for it, then enjoy it." So not only are they screwing themselves, but now they're screwing the animals in their care. If they budget at all, it's for the 40$ in food they'll need to buy for the month. There is no contingency for injury or illness, and even yearly vaccinations are "OMG it cost me 200$ for shots! This is going to be a tough month..." as though it's some kind of shock that they need their checkup every year. That's assuming they even bother with it, of course. I don't understand how fully functional adults don't learn all this. I suck at math, but this is pretty basic shit. If you have a pet, you WILL have vet bills. Hell, even 20$/month into savings adds up quick! But people aren't willing to sacrifice their capitalist lifestyle. They need that new gaming console, need 200$ shoes, need a new car instead of a perfectly serviceable old model for 2000$. The justifications I've heard for superfluous spending are laughable, because they feel the need to excuse away their spending, or dismiss it as "it's only 10$, no big deal." My sister spent 75$ at Starbucks in one month, and each transaction was "it's only one coffee." I'd say that if someone has a pet, they should be damned well making sure they are setting money aside for these kind of expenses, but I know it would be falling on deaf ears. People out there have children and no savings or contingency for emergencies! Personally, that terrifies me. About a year ago I even went as far as crunching down for two months and making it so that last month's paycheque covers this month's bills. Which means, if I ever have the misfortune of losing my job, I have at least one full month of bills covered before I even have to dip into savings - and EI kicks in after 2 weeks. I have a full month of looking for another job before it's even an issue. My spending allowance would be the first thing to go. It's the willingness to compromise. My husband and I were going to buy a new computer at christmas. Then Wyatt attacked my mom's cat, so now our new computer is walking around my parents' living room, resentful of life wearing a cone. The only way we could get our new computer now would be to dip into savings. We have enough money for it there, but we don't need a new computer now, so we aren't going to spend it. It makes the child in my want to throw a tantrum because I desperately want a new computer, but the boring old grown up part understands that now I just have to save up again. It's not that hard. I hate that it's the animals who suffer and are given away because of a person's ignorance and selfishness. *deep breath* /end rant Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rosemary Posted January 14, 2012 Report Share Posted January 14, 2012 Ravenwolf I understand what you are saying, but for once I think you may be wrong - not entirely, but to an extent We do not all go out and buy everything our heart desires. Our house is paid off (we are oldish ) and so is our car and bike, we also have enough put aside for any vet emergencies. In other words - rersponsible adults. But if my husband did loose his job (heaven forbid), we would have enough savings to carry us for a good couple of months, after that we would be in serious trouble and have to rely on state assistance, which in SA would certainly not be enough to cover any veterinarian costs It does not take one month to find another job - it could take months or even a year or two, and in the meantime your savings, and the money put aside for emergencies is being depleted at an alarming rate. So, generalising is being unfair to those who have tried and through no fault of their own, are in trouble. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BingBlaze n Skyla Posted January 14, 2012 Report Share Posted January 14, 2012 i guess in a way we are lucky aswell - like rosemary says - we dont have a mortgage anymore (critical illness cover) its very rare we treat ourselfs to anything unless its nesercary - but most of my wages used to go on things for the dogs - skylas £100-odd pound vet bill was taken out of my car fund aswell but it doesnt suprise me in the slightest tbh - it cost me £45 for flea treatment and it cost £100 for antibiotics , metacam and a pee test that didnt even show anything up its stupidly expensive n prices keep going up it doesnt suprise me that people dont spay or neuter their pets at some of the prices ive been told aswell bings has never had pet insurance and has never needed it yet *touch wood* but we are going to get it for the sibes cuz theyve been a fair few times since we got them Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tams Teeko and Keeta Posted January 14, 2012 Report Share Posted January 14, 2012 It doesn't surprise me at all that this is the case. I see soooo many people out walking dogs, people I know are struggling financially and I often wonder how on earth they can afford their dogs! Vets prices are getting insanely high! And even pet insurance premiums are ridiculous (my dogs are insured but not my rabbits. It would cost more to insure my rabbits than it does to insure my dogs! Thats how insane the prices are!). I didn't get dogs until I knew I could afford them. But sometimes things go wrong and people will struggle. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ravenwolf Posted January 15, 2012 Report Share Posted January 15, 2012 Ravenwolf I understand what you are saying, but for once I think you may be wrong - not entirely, but to an extent We do not all go out and buy everything our heart desires. Our house is paid off (we are oldish ) and so is our car and bike, we also have enough put aside for any vet emergencies. In other words - rersponsible adults. But if my husband did loose his job (heaven forbid), we would have enough savings to carry us for a good couple of months, after that we would be in serious trouble and have to rely on state assistance, which in SA would certainly not be enough to cover any veterinarian costs It does not take one month to find another job - it could take months or even a year or two, and in the meantime your savings, and the money put aside for emergencies is being depleted at an alarming rate. So, generalising is being unfair to those who have tried and through no fault of their own, are in trouble. But see that's thing, I highly doubt that it's people like you that we're talking about. You describe a person able to pay all their bills and live comfortably within their financial bracket who has a contingency to care for their dogs and who, if a financial crisis hit would have several months to come up with a plan, and if the situation were dire may have to look at giving up their pets at that time. I understand that can happen, but I really don't think that's where the majority of the increase in cases in Alberta came from. There's a big difference between doing everything you could but having no choice, and ignoring a sick dog until it becomes clear that they won't get better on their own and then dumping them on the humane society's doorstep. Unfortunately I haven't been able to find any good solid statistics on it (which I just love!), but when they say that the amount of people dumping sick animals on the humane society to deal with has risen 75% and that 80% of charges laid were for medical neglect (as opposed to general neglect or abuse) - I don't see them as being responsible, heartbroken people faced with no other choice. Like Tams Teeko and Keeta says, people she knows are struggling financially, and yet they have one or more dogs. My personal experience is rife with anecdotes of people looking for sympathy because they can't pay their vet bills, but happily go out for dinner and a movie for a nearly 50$ night on the town. People who can barely afford their rent, but just need to have a dog (that they probably bought from a breeder for over 300$ to boot!) until said dog is an inconvenience or costs too much in vet bills. Double the dog really does cost double the money, so when an already struggling person takes on an extra dog, it's not just a matter of if they'll get into trouble, but when. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rosemary Posted January 15, 2012 Report Share Posted January 15, 2012 There's a big difference between doing everything you could but having no choice, and ignoring a sick dog until it becomes clear that they won't get better on their own and then dumping them on the humane society's doorstep. OK - that's fair enough I think it is time I broaden my horizons and become more involved with our local SPCA/animal welfare. I am obviously clueless to what is happening around me Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ravenwolf Posted January 15, 2012 Report Share Posted January 15, 2012 OK - that's fair enough I think it is time I broaden my horizons and become more involved with our local SPCA/animal welfare. I am obviously clueless to what is happening around me People who are responsible and caring often can't fathom the depths of ignorance and depravity that some people will go to out of sheer carelessness and selfishness. Do you get Animal Planet at all? There are a number of programs on there called "Animal Cops," featured in various US cities. Here's a YouTube search showing a bunch of clips: http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=animal cops&oq=animal cops&aq=f&aqi=&aql=&gs_sm=e&gs_upl=96l808l0l1104l8l5l0l0l0l0l0l0ll0l0 Here is exactly the kind of situation we're talking about: this is one where a dog's leg was cut off - it was left tied up in the front yard, bone exposed, no medical treatment. Another case in the same episode has a family with a puppy with a tick infestation so severe that it could die, and the mother is half-starved to boot. The family supposedly found them as strays and didn't want to pay 75$ to the pound to surrender them, didn't think to bring them to the humane society and couldn't even be bothered to remove the ticks (and the woman was a vet tech!). These are some rather extreme cases, but with the puppy even something as simple as tick removal wasn't even attempted. Why a person would bother bringing an animal into their home just to ignore them and watch them die just baffles and infuriates me. 3gze4pz6M60 zIrG2zSoCEs EZ3kLsTL2G0 3YCFp0n6c5A Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rosemary Posted January 15, 2012 Report Share Posted January 15, 2012 We do get Animal Planet, I can't remember when last I watched it, but will have a look for those programs you mention. Seems like I will need a box of tissues as well Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sarah Posted January 15, 2012 Report Share Posted January 15, 2012 We do get Animal Planet, I can't remember when last I watched it, but will have a look for those programs you mention. Seems like I will need a box of tissues as well I'd get a lot of boxes! I can't watch that program now, how people can do things like what they show is utterly beyond me x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Elyse Posted January 19, 2012 Author Report Share Posted January 19, 2012 I avoid those types of shows for a reason - they're sickening and make me want to throw up. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rosemary Posted January 19, 2012 Report Share Posted January 19, 2012 I watched one the other day and the main focus of that particular episode was a Greyhound - oh my goodness ......................... sometimes I am truly ashamed of the human race. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Biggles Posted January 19, 2012 Report Share Posted January 19, 2012 I called up the insurance company regarding Bo's insurance policy and how the premium had gone up. The woman explained part of the problem are vets and how their charges have gone up as they realise a significant number of dogs are insured and some vets now think that this is license to be able to charge what they like. Also insurance companies are taking post codes into account and the level and amount of claims they receive. Recently Ollie had to have an op to remove his deformed rear dew claws that were causing him problems. The local vet wanted £400 (more than it would cost to spay a bitch) but another vet 15 miles away wanted £250 and they are husky specialists in a far more affluent area than where I live. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ravenwolf Posted January 19, 2012 Report Share Posted January 19, 2012 I called up the insurance company regarding Bo's insurance policy and how the premium had gone up. The woman explained part of the problem are vets and how their charges have gone up as they realise a significant number of dogs are insured and some vets now think that this is license to be able to charge what they like. Also insurance companies are taking post codes into account and the level and amount of claims they receive. Recently Ollie had to have an op to remove his deformed rear dew claws that were causing him problems. The local vet wanted £400 (more than it would cost to spay a bitch) but another vet 15 miles away wanted £250 and they are husky specialists in a far more affluent area than where I live. Yeah, it really pays to shop around with vets. I couldn't believe when my home town vet charged us 375$ for 2 bloody stitches! The nickel and diming was unbelievable - it was nearly 30$ just to apply gauze and vet wrap - something I could have done at home for less than a dollar! I truly believe they did it because they didn't recognize my husband or his last name - so he was just some random stranger off the street. Had they been open the next day I would have gone in and raised hell, but alas, it was Sunday, they were closed and we had an 8 hour drive home, so waiting one more day wasn't an option. So stupid. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shadowpup Posted January 19, 2012 Report Share Posted January 19, 2012 With vets not so willing to do payment plans anymore and the prices going up it doesn't suprise me. It's rediculous how much vet care costs now and insurance companies are even more stingy about what they will and won't pay out for.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ravenwolf Posted January 19, 2012 Report Share Posted January 19, 2012 Twice I've explored insurance options, and for what they cover I've never understood how they're worth it. For example, this one particular plan costs 70$/month, or 850$/year. It pays 150$ toward vaccinations, etc, so we'll say it's essentially 700$/year. Assuming my now 3 year old dog lives to be 14, I would have to claim 7,700$ in vet bills to make the insurance worthwhile. And since that's 70% coverage with a 100$, then 150$, then 200$ deductible (as the dog ages), that means my total vet bills would have to be at least 10,000$ over the life of the dog. That maybe worth it if something awful and complex happens happens like cancer or multiple major surgeries, but even so, getting paid out for that 10,000$ just puts me back to even - I would have spent that money anyway. And in the event of something like a cruciate ligament where if one leg goes the other is extremely likely to go also, they'll only cover the first one, so if I wanted my dog to live I'd still have to fork out another 5,000$ for surgery. For perspective - to date I've never even had that much in expenses over the life of a horse nevermind a dog or cat!!! ETA: Bare bones coverage at 20$/month (100% to 1,000$ per selected injury - 7 basic covered only - and 500$ for first-time illness - max 2 claims/year) less 75$ deductible for each claim - is 3,000$ over the lifetime of the dog. This is more a typical amount that a pet owner should be budgeting for anyway. You still have to pay the deductible, and if your dog does get an awful illness, 500$ is only going to cover the first, maybe second visit anyway! You're out of pocket for the rest! So my opinion of pet insurance is that it's no different than roulette - the odd person may cash in big, but mostly, the house always wins. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Elyse Posted January 21, 2012 Author Report Share Posted January 21, 2012 Twice I've explored insurance options, and for what they cover I've never understood how they're worth it. For example, this one particular plan costs 70$/month, or 850$/year. It pays 150$ toward vaccinations, etc, so we'll say it's essentially 700$/year. Assuming my now 3 year old dog lives to be 14, I would have to claim 7,700$ in vet bills to make the insurance worthwhile. And since that's 70% coverage with a 100$, then 150$, then 200$ deductible (as the dog ages), that means my total vet bills would have to be at least 10,000$ over the life of the dog. That maybe worth it if something awful and complex happens happens like cancer or multiple major surgeries, but even so, getting paid out for that 10,000$ just puts me back to even - I would have spent that money anyway. And in the event of something like a cruciate ligament where if one leg goes the other is extremely likely to go also, they'll only cover the first one, so if I wanted my dog to live I'd still have to fork out another 5,000$ for surgery. For perspective - to date I've never even had that much in expenses over the life of a horse nevermind a dog or cat!!! ETA: Bare bones coverage at 20$/month (100% to 1,000$ per selected injury - 7 basic covered only - and 500$ for first-time illness - max 2 claims/year) less 75$ deductible for each claim - is 3,000$ over the lifetime of the dog. This is more a typical amount that a pet owner should be budgeting for anyway. You still have to pay the deductible, and if your dog does get an awful illness, 500$ is only going to cover the first, maybe second visit anyway! You're out of pocket for the rest! So my opinion of pet insurance is that it's no different than roulette - the odd person may cash in big, but mostly, the house always wins. I agree - but Suka's still on pet insurance. It's become handy for problems like infections and cuts, but they don't cover pre-existing conditions...and apparently Suka's arthritis was pre-existing before we adopted him & put him on insurance. My current vet overcharges for everything, so we claim more often so it makes it more worthwhile. His deductible is up to $150, though, so I might just suggest to Dad that we cancel the insurance and just save money up the old fashioned way. But if something bad were to happen, like if he was run over by a car, we wouldn't have the money available if we cancelled insurance. But, yeah...I also agree that all insurance companies are becoming very stingy on what they'll cover and what they won't. After all, they're in the business for money. Suka's on PetCare insurance, and the price per month is pretty good for what's being covered. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ravenwolf Posted January 21, 2012 Report Share Posted January 21, 2012 Suka's on PetCare insurance, and the price per month is pretty good for what's being covered. LOL! These quotes are based off of PetCare. It seemed to be one of the most popular companies. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Elyse Posted January 21, 2012 Author Report Share Posted January 21, 2012 LOL! These quotes are based off of PetCare. It seemed to be one of the most popular companies. Well, I like having the piece of mind of having him always covered if something really bad happens. Also, I won't have to be paying thousands of dollars because I got him late in life. I agree, though, that if you get a puppy and 'start from scratch' or otherwise a younger dog, you shouldn't get pet insurance. But, if you adopt an older dog (like I have) it can pay off in the long run. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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