This week's Picture News (4th January 2021) is:

'Should anyone be allowed to buy a Pet?' 

It is thought that thousands of pets were 'panic bought' at the start of the first lockdown. The Battersea Dogs and Cats Home charity have warned that the number of dogs abandoned over the next five years could increase by 27%. The charity, which rehomes animals in London and the surrounding area, surveyed 2,000 dog and cat owners who acquired a new pet during the national lockdown. It found 31% had done so despite not having considered getting a dog or cat before.

Things to talk about at home…

• Do you have any pets? If you do, do you enjoy being a pet owner? How do you take care of your pet? Is it a lot of work? If not, would you like to own a pet?
• Why do you think lots of people may have bought pets at the start of the lockdown period?
• Do you think that there should be age restrictions or other rules on who can buy pets?

Let us know your opinion on the blog and, as always, use the resources to help you.