Mars Belgium and the Blue Cross issue a wake-up call on World Animal Day

Some 150 pets are abandoned every day in Belgium. This means that 25,000 dogs and 32,000 cats are homeless every year. To mark World Animal Day, Mars Belgium and the Blue Cross, a non-profit organisation that works for the protection and well-being of animals, want to draw attention to the alarming situation of animal shelters. They advocate for responsible pet ownership and want to encourage the public to seriously consider adoption when deciding to foster a pet.

Animal shelters under pressure

The current situation is becoming untenable for many animal shelters. Cruel images have multiplied in the media in recent months: poignant scenes of abandoned dogs tied to the gates of shelters or police officers taking in lost animals. This pressure is felt at the national level, especially at the Blue Cross. In 2022, the organisation's four branches (Lommel, Wommelgem, Forest and Floriffoux) welcomed almost 4,000 animals, of which only 1,623 found a new home.

Mortimer Van der Meeren, directeur of la Croix Bleue in Forest : “We were caring for approximately 611 animals as of January 1, 2022. That same year, we took in 3,095 animals that were abandoned, found, seized or relinquished by their owners. Like most shelters, we are constantly operating at maximum capacity. Our dedicated staff and volunteers are doing their best, but the underlying problem remains: overcrowding in shelters due to abandonment and neglect.”

Part of the support needed by the Blue Cross is provided by Mars Belgium. The company provides some 300,000 meals to dogs and cats in shelters every year, thanks in part to the actions carried out in Belgian stores to mark World Animal Day.

A small dog? Or a guard dog?

On the occasion of World Animal Day, Blue Cross and its loyal partner Mars Belgium (known for its brands such as Whiskas®, Pedigree®, Cesar® and Sheba®) would like to draw attention to the importance of responsible pet ownership. While pets undeniably contribute to the well-being of their owners, promoting social interactions, encouraging them to stay active and reducing stress through the production of oxytocin during cuddles, they also come with their share of challenges.

“When choosing a pet, the emotional choice should not prevail over reason," explains An De Volder, General Manager of Mars Multisales Belgium. "Think carefully before taking on a pet. Ask yourself if the pet you are considering is compatible with your lifestyle, your home and your possibilities. It is essential to improve the well-being of our pets and the current situation in shelters.”

Too wide a gap between intention and adoption

Many Belgians choose a pet through breeders (37%), relatives or friends (16%) or private individuals (19%). Of the 54% who were still considering adopting an animal from a shelter in 2022, only 14% actually took the plunge. So there is a clear gap between intention and action^[1].

Many people are hesitant to adopt a pet because they have questions about the pet's past (40%), because they think there are no young animals available (30%) or because they believe they won't find certain breeds (26%). Guy Adant, president of the Blue Cross, points out that these concerns are often unjustified. "Animals end up in our shelters for many reasons, but they have one thing in common: they need attention and love. It's time to break the taboo surrounding adoptions in shelters. The animals in these shelters deserve a second chance. We also make sure that the animal you welcome into your home is sterilized and chipped.”

The Blue Cross aims to increase the adoption rate, in collaboration with Mars Belgium. "We want to create a better world for all pets, which includes encouraging adoption from animal shelters. Every animal deserves a home that will bring them health, happiness and warmth," insists An De Volder.

Which dog is right for me?

Before welcoming a pet, it is essential to consider the suitability of the accommodation, the size of the garden, the time available for walks and care, the presence of young children, etc. Taking these criteria into account reduces the risk of mismatch between future owners and animals, and therefore the risk of animals ending up in a shelter.

Blue Cross and Mars Belgium encourage you to visit a local animal shelter to talk to a caretaker. They are perfect to advise you on the best possible choice. "Working with our experts on site is a crucial step in choosing the right pet for you," adds Mortimer Van der Meeren of the Blue Cross in Forest.

¹ Online survey carried out by the research firm iVOX on behalf of Mars Belgium between 11 and 20 July 2022 among 500 Belgian dog owners (current or past), representative in terms of gender, region, age and qualification. The maximum margin of error among 500 Belgians is 4%.