Animals are not joke gifts. But
it turns out that some people have been using little animals in exactly this way - as gag gifts in "white elephant" present-exchanging parties.
The idea behind a white elephant party is for a group of people to gather together and semi-randomly receive impractical, funny gifts as part of a game. Yet some individuals apparently find it amusing to bring living, breathing creatures and just give them away.
The winter holiday season is a prime time for such parties. If you're attending any, pledge that you won't abuse or abandon any animals in this way! Sign the petition!
There are so many reasons why this is not okay. First of all, animals don't understand what's happening to them when people put them in small jars, boxes, or bags, handing them over to some stranger in a noisy, crowded environment. It's extremely disorienting and stressful, and shows no consideration for their well-being.
On top of that, people who adopt a pet should be properly ready to take care of them. That means being prepared to take them to veterinary appointments, afford the food and other supplies they need, and provide them with a forever home.
The danger in surprising someone with an unexpected little furry friend as a funny gift is that this animal will wind up abandoned, neglected, or improperly tended to. And that's not fair to do to any animal.
Pets trust us to be kind to them and do what's right for their welfare. The least we can do is to not give them away as gifts -
especially at white elephant parties. Sign the petition to promise to do your share to protect animals!