Local Assembly Member and Labour spokesperson for Rural Affairs, Joyce Watson, has welcomed the announcement that Wales will be the first country in the UK to publish guidance on the welfare of dogs, cats and horses in a bid to inform people about the responsibilities associated with looking after an animal.
Responding to the announcement, Joyce said:
“Every Christmas, animal charities call on people to remember that ‘a dog is for life, not just for Christmas’. Sadly, while the vast majority of pet owners are very responsible, cases of animal cruelty and abandonment continue to rise.
“It is clear that not all prospective pet owners consider carefully the responsibility, time and cost involved in caring for an animal properly.”
Recent figures from the RSPCA show that cruelty investigations rose from 105,000 in 2003 to just below 140,000 in 2007 in Wales and England. Other animal welfare charities, such as the Dogs Trust, have also seen a rise in the number of animals they must care for.
Joyce continued:
“As someone who owns a rescued dog, I understand what a big responsibility taking on a pet is - it is not only an investment of your time and emotions but a significant financial investment too, with feeding costs and vets fees,
“These guides, which set out what is expected if you are considering having a pet, will hopefully help more people realise what the long-term commitments of pet owning really are, before they make that commitment.”
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