I was talking to my mum and her friend about pet hoarders and people who are cruel to their pets and my mum's friend came up with a really good idea. We all know that with certain animals how we need licenses to care for them like reptiles and other exotic animals, we thought there should be a license to have most pets. People would have to get one to care for pets and would have to present them to pet shops, shealters, breeders, etc. I'm not saying for goldfish or some other smaller animals like (some) rodents, but for dogs, cats, large birds, etc. It would minimise mistreatment of pets, for example if someone hurts their animal in a way that injures or harms the animal mentally they could have their license taken away for a certain amount of time ( or permanently if what they do is seriously harmful.) I know it would be inconvienient to some people who do take proper care of their pets, but it could minimise cruelty.
I think everyone should have to pass a knowledge test before they can own an animal, and also force registration of the animal aswell.
People are careless.
That's a good idea too. I know people have to do that with certain breeds of dogs and other animals like that, but it should be done for all domestic animals.
I think everyone should have to pass a knowledge test before they can own an animal, and also force registration of the animal aswell.
People are careless.
I agree. Before you're allowed to take care of an animal, you should prove that you know how.
I am all for this. For any animal that has a lengthy life - cats, dogs, birds, rabbits, reptiles, sit an exam to prove that you are willing to put in the hard yards required to make your pets life happy. Depending on the animal you wish to have in your household should depend on your test.
I agree, there should be more restrictions on keeping any animals as pets and licenses are definitely one way of doing that. I certainly wouldn't mind if I had to go through some kind of testing before being allowed to keep an animal as the process would weed out the people who aren't completely committed to taking care of a pet.
I heard that they are thinking of introducing surveys at pet shops- basically just a series of questions which the staff ask when you are interested in a pet to determine whether it is suitable or not. Pretty pathetic if you ask me and I doubt that unsuitability would prevent a sale, but at least its a little more than they are doing now, which is nothing. Licences are a great idea though, or better yet, getting rid of pet shops all together. Licenses probably wouldn't work in a byb situation though, as they aren't answering to anyone.
When I was a kid, before we were allowed to get a pet we had to prove to our parents we were capable of caring for it, I don't see how this is any different to how people should have to prove via test that they are capable of caring for ANY animal. FISH INCLUDED!
Having some sort of knowledge test prior to looking after an animal should ideally increase the culpability of the owner should they have to stand before a magistrate(?) on account of animal cruelty charges - which is a big plus in my books.
