New codes of practice to help protect pets

The RSPCA was delighted when the government in England recently introduced new welfare codes of practice to help make sure the needs and requirements of people's pets are met.

We worked closely with the government to develop the codes, which provide clear guidelines for pet owners on how to look after their dogs, cats, horses and primates.

We have been campaigning for a ban on keeping primates as pets, which we believe would be the best way to protect these animals. However, in the absence of a ban, we support the code as it provides a step in the right direction by helping people to appreciate how challenging it can be to look after primates properly.

Our inspectors will be using the codes on a regular basis to help their day-to-day work throughout England.

These follow the introduction of separate welfare codes of practice for dogs, cats, equines and rabbits in Wales last year.

Our Animals and the law resources can be used with students to explore the concepts of responsible pet ownership, how the law protects animals and how the codes of practice apply to the Animal Welfare Act in England and Wales.