Adopt not shop: How online shopping websites could be putting animal welfare in danger
Animal welfare experts are asking people to adopt their pets rather than shop for them.
 
Battersea Dogs and Cats home say buying from a breeder means you may not be aware of any health or behavioral problems with the animal.
In 2018 they took in 404 dogs that were originally bought online – this is up from 355 in 2017.
 
The charity's centre manager Steve Craddock said: “Online sales platforms have become a vehicle for irresponsible breeders. There are, of course, many genuine sellers online, and some websites are taking steps to improve in this area, but too many backstreet breeders and puppy farmers are still benefiting from the system.”
 
Purchasing pets online can lead to them being taken away from their mother too early.
 
Battersea urges people that want a pet to consider rescue- but if they really are after a particular breed, they must act responsibly and ask to see the puppy or kitten with its mother.
TV PACKAGE
Starting university during a pandemic
The Covid-19 pandemic has caused disruption to so many areas of life. Education has suffered all around the world as the majority of students have had to adapt to online learning.
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Starting university is usually an exciting time for students- however for many it is now filled with apprehension and nerves.
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As well as nerves surrounding catching and spreading the coronavirus itself, many new students are worried about the effectiveness of online learning.
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Cambridge University was one of many universities in September to announce that they would move all their lectures online until 2021.
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Despite the uncertainties for future students, a study carried out by the National Union of Students found that three in four students intend to start or continue their studies as planned in the coming academic year.
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I spoke to Harvey Draper in September as he prepared to start his first year as a Chemistry student at the University of Bath, and then again in January to reflect on his first term.
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He described the experience of online lectures as “lonely” and “challenging.”
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Those who are studying "hands on degrees" say they are not able to learn online.
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Cicely Cooley is currently completing an art degree.
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"It’s just a waste of money,” she said. “You cannot be taught about art through a zoom class. Online art school is not art school."
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Online lectures are not the only worry students have to deal with- across the UK students are taking part in rent strikes because they are paying for accommodation, but following government advice, they are not currently able to live in it.
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Today the Welsh Government have promised £40 million to students who face financial hardship.
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Katie Phillips, Welsh affairs officer at Swansea university and NUS delegate , said : “Hopefully this will help to tackle a lot of the issues. Thanks to all of the media attention the students have bought to this matter, we’ve been able to raise it further with the government and secure this money. It’s really positive news.”
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In this podcast I explore the experiences of students throughout the pandemic, as well as the development of ongoing rent strikes across Wales.
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https://anchor.fm/eva073/episodes/Lets-talk-about-starting-university-during-a-pandemic-eiaeek
