Looking after any animal is a huge commitment and takes time, money and patience.
In 2007 the law relating to the welfare of pets will change. Under the Animal Welfare Act (as it will be known) anyone who is responsible for a pet will have a legal responsibility to meet the five basic welfare needs of pets. These are:
- a proper diet, including fresh water
- somewhere suitable to live
- any need to be housed with or apart from, other animals
- allowing animals to express normal behaviour
- protect from and treatment of, illness and injury
