Pet Owners Face Code of Practice

[Ursa major]

Cat and dog owners are to be told to provide "entertainment" and "mental stimulation" for their pets under new government advice.

BBC NEWS | Politics | Pet owners face code of practice

On the one hand, this seems silly; but on the other, it's sad that there are owners who really do need to be told how to treat their pets well.

(Oh, and I'm guessing that these owners will be the last to read the leaflet.)

[Overread]

advises on introducing cats to dogs without the fur flying

These guidlines have not been tested on huskies then

Cats that are not very tame, such as some farm cats, may prefer to live outdoors in more basic shelter but you still need to look after them

sounds like they are going for those feral/semiferal cats that have colonies on some farms

Honestly the info in these guidlines appear to be basic, and it is sad that people have to be told such basic info as this, but so many are blind. I think also there is very much an atmosphere growing in the youth (thanks Hollywood) and also the not so young, that animals are an accessory product - which has bad viewpoints when care comes into the equation

[chrispenycate]

Does telling people simplistic things about pets suggest there should be animal husbandry classes in junior schools? Perhaps the percentage of pet owners isn't high enough. And we're only talking about cats and dogs here; can one assume that anyone who goes for a more exotic companion (a snake, say or a spider) will automatically study its requirements before buying?

[The Ace]

I always thought next door's flower bed was a proper place for cats to go to the toilet. They seem to think so anyway. (Lion dung anyone ?)

[Urlik]

IMO anyone who wishes to share their home with an animal should have to take a written exam to obtain a licence before being able to have pets.

[Overread]

considering the popularity of lizards (especially with those in more urban environements) I would very much think that schools should teach more.
Infact I think schools as a whole should teach far more about the "natural world" than is taught curretly (which is mostly a bit on plant life in biology). Its a vast area that is under taught - I mean just how many kids can tell one tree from another?
sorry going off at a bit of a tangent

[Ursa major]

Don't you mean branching off, OR?

[chrispenycate]

Originally Posted by Ursa major

Don't you mean branching off, OR?

Actually, I think he's rooting for a good cause. if I twig it right.

But perhaps I ought to leaf ASAP, before I'm considered barking mad.

[Ursa major]

Or a plant.

[pyan]

You should really try to stem this penchant for puns, Ursa - it's no anther to things.

Perhaps we should have a pollen it...

[Ursa major]

I'm afraid I can't change my style, Py; even if there's a stigma attached to it.


(I hope this doesn't lead to a duel with pistils.)

[murphy]

Originally Posted by Overread

These guidlines have not been tested on huskies then

My husky gets along very well with cats. She just ignores them. It's the border collie/Australian shepherd that I have trouble convincing that he shouldn't chase the cats.

[kyektulu]

I really would like stronger animal welfare laws, not more goverment namby pambying and interference, which they call 'advise'.

If you do a job then it should be done properly, bring in stronger laws for pets and above all make sure they are enforced!

I have seen countless cruelty cases and many people should not have animals, but even in cases I have reported nothing has been done.
For example there is a horrendous pet shop down the road from me, the conditions these animals are kept in physically sickens me, in some instances there are rabbits in cases so small they can barely move in a circle, I have reported this to RSPCA and the animal welfare deptartment of the local council, but nothing has changed.

I think cruelty to animals can come in many more forms than just physical.
For instance the amount of dogs I know that never leave the house or in a neighbours case take them out on the front lawn on lead to do toilet twice a day and it stays in their tiny 1st floor flat, thats that dogs entire existence... To me that is also cruelty, if you get an animal then you are obliged to make the animals life as fuffilling as possible and that encludes exercise and stimulation, especially for a dog its so important.
If you cant be bothered to exercise your dog then you shouldnt have one, simple as.

Sorry about the rant, I couldve gone on much longer as I feel so strongly about this, but for everyones sake I will shut up.

[Urlik]

Originally Posted by kyektulu

If you cant be bothered to exercise your dog then you shouldnt have one, simple as.

that was one of the reasons I gave my girls when they wanted a dog.
I knew I wouldn't walk it regularly and it would be left alone from 8am till 6pm while we're at work/school/child minders.

I admit that 90% of my reasons are selfish because I can't be bothered to spend my time caring for a dog, but at least I know it and won't take on the responsibility and make an animal's life miserable.