Fed: RSPCA calls for lessons in responsible pet ownership

AAP General News (Australia)
12-16-2001
Fed: RSPCA calls for lessons in responsible pet ownership

The RSPCA wants lawmakers to help teach the community about responsible pet ownership
to reduce the number of abandoned animals.

The animal welfare organisation had to put down more than half of the 134,000 animals
it cared for in the past financial year.

RSPCA president Dr HUGH WIRTH says the federal and state governments should initiate
education programs to teach people about responsible pet ownership.

He says too many people buy a pet on impulse, buy one that is unsuitable for their
family, fail to train the animal, or simply fail to adequately care for it.

During 2000-01 the RSPCA investigated more than 48,000 complaints of cruelty and initiated
364 prosecutions, both up on the previous year.

Most cruelty complaints are dog-related, but far fewer cats than dogs are reclaimed
from animal shelters.

AAP ac/jmtu

KEYWORD: ANIMALS (MELBOURNE)

2001 AAP Information Services Pty Limited (AAP) or its Licensors.