PET PROBLEMS AND SLIMMING PROGRAMMES
Not only direct neglect and abuse animal
cruelty figures are rising, the number of overweight pets is increasing fast too.
A survey last July by the pet insurers Sainsbury’s Bank found that 34 per cent (2.72 million)
of the UK pet dog population is obese.
Animals Count would like to see a nation-wide governmental animal health care system, comparable to the NHS, in conjunction with education about responsible pet care. Animals Count President and Policy Advisor veterinarian Andrew Knight just had an article published on this issue in the magazine 'Lifescape'.
"Responsible, preventative pet healthcare will maximise the health and happiness of your pet, and will save money in the long-term. It will also maximise your popularity with your veterinarian, by minimising the chance you will be visiting them at 4am with an emergency that could well have been prevented." Andrew Knight concluded.
On 1st September an article featured in The Times on the canine obesity epidemic. Obese animals may develop arthritis, joint injuries, diabetes, and a range of other health problems.
Last month the Telegraph, The Guardian and The Times also reported extensively on the soaring number of obese cats which face a diabetes crisis.
The charity People's Dispensary for Sick Animals (PDSA) has established a Pet Fit Club, for animals that seriously need to lose weight to avoid life-threatening diseases. The RSPCA has a similar outreach education programme.
Animals Count believes government funding should be made available for those charities that help animals directly either by providing veterinary care or by providing rescue and rehabilitation facilities.
Animals Count further aims to strengthen legislation and regulations against animal neglect and abuse by strengthening police powers, increasing penalties for offenders, and increasing public educational programmes concerning responsible companion animal care and related topics.
Similar pages:
Animal Cruelty