by Playfuls Staff |
4th April 2007
A law aimed at forcing pet owners to care properly for their animals is taking effect in Britain.
The Animal Welfare [more] Act increases protections for animals that are not properly cared for and increases penalties for owners who neglect or abuse their pets, The Telegraph reported Wednesday.
The law legally obligates owners to give their pets a proper diet, an appropriate environment and housing. Owners must also make certain that their animals are living free from pain and disease.
The law also illegalizes the sale of pets to children under the age of 16. Children under that age will also no longer be allowed to win pets as prizes.
"For the first time in history we have a law that enables our inspectors to prevent animals suffering by taking effective action earlier in cases of ongoing neglect," said Jackie Ballard, director general of the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.
© 2007 UPI
