Rights and responsibilities

This activity uses role play to explore the role of agencies in encouraging people to become responsible pet owners, with a focus on non-domestic exotic animals. This session could follow Dogs and the law. This lesson only applies to legislation in England. 

Curriculum objectives

Students should learn:

• to consider the part people play in creating social pressure, both individually and by joining together. 

Animal welfare objectives

Students should learn:

• about the welfare issues involved in keeping pets
• about the role of agencies and the law in promoting responsible pet ownership.

Learning outcomes

At the end of this session:

• most students: have an understanding of the welfare needs of pets and whose responsibility it is to ensure that these are met. They identify and describe ways in which individuals and groups outside parliament can influence legislation
• some students have not made so much progress and: understand that pets have needs and that different people have different views on the issue of animal welfare
• some students have progressed further and: have a good understanding of the needs of a number of different pets and are able to explain who they think is responsible for meeting these needs. They understand how public opinion and the media, as well as lobby and voluntary organisations and groups, can influence decision-making. They research and discuss the issues raised, present their ideas and reflect on their opinions and those of others.