"Britain's animal lovers will spend over £27 million on Christmas gifts for their pets this year, according to new research published today by The Blue Cross animal welfare charity.
Flashing antlers and collars with bells on them are just some of the gifts that dogs, cats, guinea pigs and rabbits across the nation can expect to wake up to on Christmas morning.
The Omnibus survey carried out for The Blue Cross reveals that half of the nation's pet lovers are set to buy their pet a present this Christmas. Most people will spend an average of £4 on their pet."

http://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-rel...154652565.html

Meanwhile children in Syria, Africa, and some parts of the UK suffer pain, hunger, and sickness

Tight gits. I spend way more than that on my pets.

Complete rubbish thread from a OP who doesn't like animals.

bib - much as I agree with the sentiment, millions of £ are spent every year at Christmas on people, let alone pets, all across the world - and at Easter, Valentine's day, in general throughout the year.

If people didn't do that, those children in Syria, Africa, etc. would still be suffering - the money not spent wouldn't change that (except that the economies that the spent money goes into probably send quite a bit of aid to those countries, which could be LESS if people weren't spending).

People waste money voting for inane celebs taking part in TV 'Reality' shows.

Meanwhile children in Syria, Africa, and some parts of the UK suffer pain, hunger, and sickness

Don't tell others how to spend their money.

what use are flashing antlers and collars with bells to children in Syria?

poor thread

Surely your not suggesting the OP would do that?

I've found that those who like to trot out the "children starving in Africa" line in order to criticise others, somehow manage to justify the money they spend on trivia. As such, it's usually nothing more than a pathetic attempt to appear 'superior'.

I've bought my two doggos a stocking each filled with tasty fried fish treats. They're hidden in the cupboard under the stairs as they smell rank.

So the average spend per person on pets this Christmas is about 40p?

We used to buy our mutt a new toy (about £2-3) every christmas because it was fun watching him get excited and tear open the wrapping paper, it was also usually time for him to get a replacement for one of his older ones.

It's hardly newsworthy.

As for the comment about kids in Syria etc, if you're that worried about them cancel your internet and mobile phone contracts and donate that (that'll cover the ~40p per person buying pets presents for around a thousand people)..
People can buy things for their pets and donate! they're not mutually exclusive.

Whereas I agree about the starving children in this country and the children in Syria suffering through no fault of their own, I give to charities throughout the year, I enjoy one day where I can buy my much loved cat and Westie a little present each.

I'll be spending at least £30 extra for my kitty - the very best fillet steak treat on Christmas Day for my little sweetie

my mums little dogs said they will accept an egg and bacon muffin on christmas day as long as I send one to the Syrian doggies as well

Do you have to like animals to lavish gifts?
You know what happens to spoilt children
Anyway, who are you to assume that I do not like animals

Rubbish
I regularly support children in Africa, not to feel superior but because I care about those who are orphans and have nothing other than hunger, sickness, and no education

People send money to Syria and Africa...meanwhile my dog doesn't have any antlers or a Poochi coat.

I can't get buy her cashmere with £4. When will people realise there are pet owners in need HERE.

No need. Sure they're all over here now. Yeah, place is full of Syrian and Romanian street rescue dogs. Coming over here, taking our dogs' muffins.

Going by your comments on cats on another thread, you clearly wanted healthy cats put down. That's not someone who likes animals.

So £27 million in sales, staff in jobs, taxes on profits and £4.5 million in VAT collected. Whilst I feel for those who are suffering does that mean we should all stop shopping and cause people to be put out of work and suffer themselves ?

Ok, if you are happy for cats from irresponsible owners to come in great number to crap all over your garden I will happily direct them to your place

Cats crap onto my garden. It doesn't bother me as they bury it. I've got more to worry about in my life then cat crap.

The fact your happy for a healthy cat to be put down because it craps in your garden says something about you.

Has it occurred to you that that those who buy things for their pets also support charities, or is there some specific reason for creating a link between buying things for pets and there being starving orphans?

maybe they will fill the gap with their pets. I mean 90 minutes at gas mark 5

I'm naughty. I don't support African childrens charities, but do buy my pets gifts and special food at Xmas.

I'm going to hell.

I bought my cat Tesco's Dreamies selection box. He's going to be one happy old boy on Christmas Day.