General Chat

roxanne barny my owl is lovely,the colours of his feathers are beautifull,also my grand daughters get to see a real owl up close.but i,d have to say the cost for our animals is £50 per wk.thats not incuding vets bills.but we get so much pleasure.its worth it.xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

I'm hoping this new Act will improve the lives of many animals. Too many people take on a pet and when the novelty wears off they lose interest. They may not physically hurt or abuse the animal but they no longer give it all it needs - regular exercise, human interaction etc. I do wonder, though, how easy it will be for the Act to be monitored and enforced.

Joy,well said:-)) you Obviously take your Responsibilities seriously, lets hope pther people do now.

That really IS great news Roxanne.... thanks for putting it on the board...

hi roxanne,at the moment we have 3 dogs 2 cats 1 rabbit 1 ferret 3 birds of prey and barny my owl.plus pond and tropical fish. animals have always played a big part in our life,and the children have loved them all.but we know too well that animals are costly and need constant attention.these new rules wont affect us ,as we love our animals,but for those who have a pet for the sake of it,it should pull them into line.lets hope the law stand firm behind these new rules eh.xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Hi Rose,Have done it:-)) I belong to Greenpeace. Thanks for mentioning it. Roxanne x

Very good news and glad you put it on board. Please add your name to Greenpeace online petition re whaling if you feel strongly about that also. Thanks, Rose

about time too xxLynnxx

The RSPCA have revealed that incidents of cruelty to animals have soared this year, but the arrival of the Animal Welfare Act should help Although most pet owners love and care for their pets, some still need to be protected from abuse and neglect. But soon people will have a legal duty to care for their animals. The Animal Welfare Act which will come into force in 2007 and will require pet owners to take reasonable steps to provide their pet with the things it needs for a happy life. Advert: article continues below ∨ The RSPCA hope that it will be a move towards preventing the soaring levels of animal abuse and neglect revealed by the charity today. RSPCA figures revealed that: Over 30,000 animals did not have access to water, an increase of almost 60 percent. Over 40,000 animals did not receive suitable veterinary treatment, an increase of over 60 percent Over 70,000 animals are being kept in dirty or unsuitable environments, an increase of over 60 percent Almost 30,000 animals were unable to express 'normal behaviour', a 70 percent increase So what will pet owners have to do? Most will be doing these things already, but under the new law they are required to take reasonable steps to provide their pet with: A proper diet Access to water A suitable place to live House them with; or apart from other animals as neccessary Ensure they are able to express normal behaviour Protect them from pain, suffering and injury The act comes into force around April 2007 in England, and later in Wales. Scotland already have an Animal Welfare Act in place.

I think this is very good news:-))