Animal Welfare Act

fi.cantillon · Jun 25, 2009

I have been doing some research on what this actually means for guinea pigs. This was one of the hardest tasks I have ever set myself. Getting straight answers from organisations was very hard and DEFRA weren't even interested as they are domestic animals. Dur.. The Act covers all animals including domestic.

Well the outcome is that I have produced some literature and would appreciate any feedback on it as well as advice on how to get it published.

[FONT=Comic Sans MS, cursive]Animal Welfare Act 2006[/FONT]

[FONT=Comic Sans MS, cursive]This has been brought out to ensure that all animals are looked after properly. It identifies specific areas of animal care.[/FONT]

[FONT=Comic Sans MS, cursive]These are[/FONT]

[FONT=Comic Sans MS, cursive] Housing and environment[/FONT]

[FONT=Comic Sans MS, cursive] Diet[/FONT]

[FONT=Comic Sans MS, cursive] Companionship[/FONT]

[FONT=Comic Sans MS, cursive] Protected from pain, suffering, injury and disease[/FONT]

[FONT=Comic Sans MS, cursive] Able to do normal behaviour patterns[/FONT]

[FONT=Comic Sans MS, cursive]What does this mean for guinea pigs? [/FONT]

[FONT=Comic Sans MS, cursive] Housing and environment[/FONT]

[FONT=Comic Sans MS, cursive]A guinea pig is a small animal but needs lots of space. Under the new law they
[*]MUST[/*] have at least 8ft squared at all times for 2 guinea pigs. This should include houses, tunnels and other play toys. The more space you can give the happier a guinea pig will be.[/FONT]

[FONT=Comic Sans MS, cursive]It is also really important to use the right type of bedding in the hutch/cage. It is no longer accepted as common practice to use woodshavings or straw as they are harmful to the guinea pig.[/FONT]

[FONT=Comic Sans MS, cursive]Guinea pigs do not like to be too hot or too cold. They also do not like draughts. Their housing need to be positioned to meet this. In extreme temperatures will need to provide ways of keeping them warmer/cooler. Guinea pigs can be kept indoors and outdoors.[/FONT]

[FONT=Comic Sans MS, cursive]If you have other animals it is important that the guinea pigs are not scared by them.[/FONT]

[FONT=Comic Sans MS, cursive] Diet[/FONT]

[FONT=Comic Sans MS, cursive]A guinea pig has a delicate digestive system. They need a lot of fibre and are vegetarians. They need a balanced diet of dry food. This is best achieved by using a pellet food rather than a muesli one. They also need fresh food especially those high in vitamin C. It is very important that they have hay available to them at all times as it helps their digestion and helps to keep their teeth trim. Guinea pigs love to be on grass and eat it as well as dandelions.[/FONT]

[FONT=Comic Sans MS, cursive] Companionship[/FONT]

[FONT=Comic Sans MS, cursive]Guinea pigs are very sociable animals and need to have social contact to remain healthy. It is important that they are never on their own (except in certain circumstances). Guinea pigs should only be with other guinea pigs and not other animals as each animal has different needs.[/FONT]

[FONT=Comic Sans MS, cursive] Protected from pain, suffering, injury and disease[/FONT]

[FONT=Comic Sans MS, cursive]Like any animal it is important that we love and care for them appropriately. This means providing regular health checks and taking them to the vet if they need it. Guinea pigs unlike other animals do not need vaccinations. It is also important to ensure that they are handled correctly. Guinea pigs need cuddles on a daily basis.[/FONT]

[FONT=Comic Sans MS, cursive] Able to do normal behaviour patterns[/FONT]

[FONT=Comic Sans MS, cursive]It is really important that guinea pigs are allowed to behave like a guinea pig. This means they need space to run and jump, climb, eat and sleep. Guinea pigs love burrows but can't dig them so we need to give them tunnels etc. The behaviour of a guinea pig helps us know how they are feeling. i.e. Happy, sad, frustrated, hungry, bored and poorly.[/FONT]

[FONT=Comic Sans MS, cursive]
[/FONT]

Wiebke · Jun 25, 2009

Thank you a lot! This is well thought out!

I would like you to be more careful that you specify "appropiate" toys and make sure that the ability of jumping can't be interpreted as using rat cages and hamster wheels! I would be happier if you left "jumping" completely out of the formulation; it can be too misleading. Same as with dandelions - they can be fed, but should not be part of the main diet.

I'm not so happy with the formulation "cuddles", I would be happier with "interaction with humans" or "play- and cuddletime with humans", as there are piggies who genuinely do not like being picked up and cuddled - and that should be respected as well, especially at the beginning!

Another point: How much does this act involve the necessity of owners to look for appraporiate information on their pets?

I hope that you see my points as constructive - I guess the ex-teacher shows!

teadragon · Jun 25, 2009

I agree with all the points Vickyt made.

I don't think this is correctly placed under it's header of pain/suffering/injury
It is also important to ensure that they are handled correctly. Guinea pigs need cuddles on a daily basis.

Perhaps instead cuddles should be under companionship, although there is really no legal obligation for an owner to interact and play with their pets. I think the importance is more for the animal to have companionship of its own species, but a good relationship between owner/pet is an enriching part of pet ownership.

guinea pigs also don't really climb... perhaps you could instead point out that guinea pigs - as rooting animals - should be encouraged to be mentally stimulated (for example, hiding veggies in hay on the ground).

alcesterpigs · Jun 25, 2009

Many pet shops, breeders, dried food manufacturers etc produce their own information leaflets. In what way is your leaflet/information different? Is there a chance that by referring to the A.W. Act that readers may infer that your information has official endorsement?

fi.cantillon · Jun 25, 2009

Thank you for your feedback it is very helpful. I have adjusted the points you made.

I chose to do this a no information leaflet refers to the Animal Welfare Act and most people do not know that it exists or if they do what the basic minimum requirements are.

Do you think that I should state where I sourced the information from on the leaflet. I was concened about amount of space as I would like to produce this as a on the shelf leaflet at pet shops.

MemberY · Jun 25, 2009

I think if you are doing this for your rescue, it should have the rescue details on it and stated that this is part of your rehoming policy? it is not an official document as AP pointed out!

There are some grammatical errors but that would be just tweaking it...I am happy to help with that if you like

tillythepig · Jun 25, 2009

we have a notice up in our guinea pig area for people to see and read when adopting animals from us,we also 'advise' regarding the A.W act and give a specific booklet and leaflet regarding the animals needs etc....

and from a personal point of view the act isnt worth the paper its written on as its almost impossible to enforce...take Sue1974's recent dealings with 226 guinea pigs plus the many many others we all come across.

allan
rspca west suffolk branch.

fi.cantillon · Jun 25, 2009

The Act puts all responsibility of pet ownership and meeting needs on the owner themselves however there is not any information currently referring to The Act easily available. It took me a long time and persistence to get any answers.

fi.cantillon · Jun 25, 2009

Although this isn't an official document, the information has been sourced from respected organisations and complied by me.

I am aware that they do not enforce this Act like they should but the more education the better! It is always a good way to approach those that have guinea pigs already but not meeting their needs appropriately who are resistant to be told what to do. ("I've always done this and had no problems.)

We are planning to include our details on it but I wanted the content to be right first.

We would love to have some help on the gramatical side of things, as you can tell that is not one of my strong points.

summerleaze · Jun 25, 2009

Regarding diet I think it maybe more appropriate to put that they need access to grass rather than they love being on grass as that suggests that they can live there on the lawn !

Also don't forget fresh clean water daily !

I have reservations about "cuddles" too, not every pig is a cuddle pig. However, daily observation by a responsible adult is essential.

I agree with the other points made too.

Its always useful for prospective piggy owners to receive advice leaflets but it is your interpretation of the Welfare Act that they are reading and encouragement to undertake other research is pretty essential.

Having spent many an hour on the info on my website I understand how time consuming these things are but if people can access a wide range of good quality information about guinea pigs then that has got to be a big plus.

*Nibbles&Nugget* · Jun 25, 2009

Wish I'd known

I wish I could show this to my friends
If you look in my thread you'll know why

:0

pelicano · Jun 25, 2009

Where does the information about the hutch/cage space dimensions come from? I had thought that the Act was silent on that, but I might be behind the times.

fi.cantillon · Jun 25, 2009

pelicano said:
Where does the information about the hutch/cage space dimensions come from? I had thought that the Act was silent on that, but I might be behind the times.

Defra did not have their own answer but said that they recognise the RSPCA's ones and those would be the ones they referred to. I got these dimensions confirmed by RSPCA's head office. It took a lot of patience to get this.

alcesterpigs · Jun 25, 2009

Be sure to include information about how to find someone who knows about guinea pigs, (not necessarily a vet?), before they become ill, eg rescue/rehoming centres.

fi.cantillon · Jun 25, 2009

Thats a really good point. I will do that.

fi.cantillon · Jun 25, 2009

I would just like to add that the purpose of this is for a general information leaflet. This is not my adoption policies as my standards are much higher especially on cage sizes.

fi.cantillon · Jun 25, 2009

I have taken all feedback into consideration and have developed TAKE 2

At the end when it is designed I will be including where info sourced from and that it has been compiled by Cavy Rescue and Retreat.

Again please read as I may have not used appropriate wording.

Many thanks for this.

[FONT=Comic Sans MS, cursive]Animal Welfare Act 2006[/FONT]

[FONT=Comic Sans MS, cursive]This has been brought out to ensure that all animals are looked after properly. It identifies specific areas of animal care. It puts the responsibility on the owner/prospective owner to research and ensure that their needs are met.[/FONT]

[FONT=Comic Sans MS, cursive]These are[/FONT]

[FONT=Comic Sans MS, cursive] Housing and environment[/FONT]

[FONT=Comic Sans MS, cursive] Diet[/FONT]

[FONT=Comic Sans MS, cursive] Companionship[/FONT]

[FONT=Comic Sans MS, cursive] Protected from pain, suffering, injury and disease[/FONT]

[FONT=Comic Sans MS, cursive] Able to do normal behaviour patterns[/FONT]

[FONT=Comic Sans MS, cursive]What does this mean for guinea pigs? [/FONT]

[FONT=Comic Sans MS, cursive] Housing and environment[/FONT]

[FONT=Comic Sans MS, cursive]A guinea pig is a small animal but needs lots of space. Under the new law they
[*]MUST[/*] have at least 8ft squared at all times for 2 guinea pigs. This should include houses, tunnels and other appropriate play toys. (please be aware that not all toys marketed for guinea pigs are suitable)The more space you can give the happier a guinea pig will be.[/FONT]

[FONT=Comic Sans MS, cursive]It is also really important to use the right type of bedding in the hutch/cage. It is no longer accepted as common practice to use woodshavings or straw as they are harmful to the guinea pig.[/FONT]

[FONT=Comic Sans MS, cursive]Guinea pigs do not like to be too hot or too cold. They also do not like draughts. Their housing need to be positioned to meet this. In extreme temperatures will need to provide ways of keeping them warmer/cooler. Guinea pigs can be kept indoors and outdoors.[/FONT]

[FONT=Comic Sans MS, cursive]If you have other animals it is important that the guinea pigs are not scared by them.[/FONT]

[FONT=Comic Sans MS, cursive] Diet[/FONT]

[FONT=Comic Sans MS, cursive]A guinea pig has a delicate digestive system. They need a lot of fibre and are vegetarians. They need a balanced diet of dry food. This is best achieved by using a pellet food rather than a muesli one. They also need fresh food especially those high in vitamin C. It is very important that they have hay available to them at all times as it helps their digestion and helps to keep their teeth trim. Guinea pigs love to be on grass for periods on warmer days. It is important that guinea pigs have constant access to water as well. This is best in a water bottle rather than a bowl as the bowl can become contaminated and they can knock it over.[/FONT]

[FONT=Comic Sans MS, cursive] Companionship[/FONT]

[FONT=Comic Sans MS, cursive]Guinea pigs are very sociable animals and need to have social contact to remain healthy. It is important that they are never on their own (except in certain circumstances). Guinea pigs should only be with other guinea pigs and not other animals as each animal has different needs. Play and cuddle time with their owners is important as a good relationship between owner/pet is an enriching part of pet ownership.[/FONT]

[FONT=Comic Sans MS, cursive] Protected from pain, suffering, injury and disease[/FONT]

[FONT=Comic Sans MS, cursive]Like any animal it is important that we love and care for them appropriately. This means providing regular health checks and taking them to the vet if they need it. Guinea pigs unlike other animals do not need vaccinations. It is important to seek advice if you think your guinea pig may be ill. For example this can be from a rescue/rehoming centre, rodentologist and/or vet. Basically ask a guinea pig expert. Please note not all vets specialise in guinea pigs.[/FONT]

[FONT=Comic Sans MS, cursive] Able to do normal behaviour patterns[/FONT]

[FONT=Comic Sans MS, cursive]It is really important that guinea pigs are allowed to behave like a guinea pig. This means they need space to run and play together, eat and sleep. Guinea pigs love burrows but can't dig them so we need to give them tunnels etc. This is often achieved with cardboard boxes. They also benefit greatly from being stimulated like dangling their food for them. Hiding pellets in a tube stuffed with hay.The behaviour of a guinea pig helps us know how they are feeling. i.e. Happy, sad, frustrated, hungry, bored and poorly.[/FONT]

Wiebke · Jun 25, 2009

[FONT=Comic Sans MS, cursive]Animal Welfare Act 2006[/FONT]

[FONT=Comic Sans MS, cursive]This has been brought out to ensure that all animals are looked after properly. It identifies specific areas of animal care. It puts the responsibility on the owner/prospective owner to research and ensure that their needs are met.[/FONT]

[FONT=Comic Sans MS, cursive]These are[/FONT]

[FONT=Comic Sans MS, cursive] Housing and environment[/FONT]

[FONT=Comic Sans MS, cursive] Diet[/FONT]

[FONT=Comic Sans MS, cursive] Companionship[/FONT]

[FONT=Comic Sans MS, cursive] Protection from pain, suffering, injury and disease[/FONT]

[FONT=Comic Sans MS, cursive] Freedom to follow normal behaviour patterns[/FONT]

[FONT=Comic Sans MS, cursive]What does this mean for guinea pigs? [/FONT]

[FONT=Comic Sans MS, cursive] Housing and environment[/FONT]

[FONT=Comic Sans MS, cursive]A guinea pig is a small animal but it needs lots of space. Under the new law they
[*]MUST[/*] have at least 8ft square at all times for two guinea pigs. This should include houses, tunnels and other appropriate play toys. Please be aware that not all toys marketed for guinea pigs are suitable. The more space you can give, the happier a guinea pig will be.[/FONT]

[FONT=Comic Sans MS, cursive]It is also really important to put the right type of bedding in the hutch/cage. It is no longer accepted as common practice to use woodshavings or straw as they are harmful to the guinea pig.[/FONT]

[FONT=Comic Sans MS, cursive]Guinea pigs do not like to be too hot or too cold. They also do not like draughts. Their housing needs to be positioned to meet these requirements. In extreme temperatures, it is necessary to provide ways of keeping them at the right temperature. Guinea pigs can be kept indoors and outdoors.[/FONT]

[FONT=Comic Sans MS, cursive]If you have other animals, it is important that the guinea pigs are not scared by them and left unsupervised at any time with them.[/FONT]

[FONT=Comic Sans MS, cursive] Diet[/FONT]

[FONT=Comic Sans MS, cursive]A guinea pig has a delicate digestive system. They need a lot of fibre and are vegetarians. They need a balanced diet of dry food. This is best achieved by using a pellet food rather than a muesli one. They also need fresh food especially those high in vitamin C. It is very important that they have hay available to them at all times as it helps their digestion and helps to keep their teeth trim. Guinea pigs love to be on grass for periods on warmer days. It is important that guinea pigs have constant access to water as well. This is best in a water bottle rather than a bowl as the bowl can become contaminated and they can knock it over.[/FONT]

[FONT=Comic Sans MS, cursive] Companionship[/FONT]

[FONT=Comic Sans MS, cursive]Guinea pigs are very sociable animals and need to have social contact to remain healthy. It is important that they are never on their own (except in certain circumstances). Guinea pigs should only be with other guinea pigs and not other animals as each animal has different needs. Play and cuddle time with their owners is important as a good relationship between owner/pet is an enriching part of pet ownership.[/FONT]

[FONT=Comic Sans MS, cursive] Protected from pain, suffering, injury and disease[/FONT]

[FONT=Comic Sans MS, cursive]Like any animal it is important that we love and care for them appropriately. This means providing regular health checks and taking them to the vet if they need it. Guinea pigs unlike other animals do not need vaccinations. It is important to seek advice if you think your guinea pig may be ill. For example this can be from a rescue/rehoming centre, rodentologist and/or vet. Basically ask a guinea pig expert. Please note not all vets specialise in guinea pigs.[/FONT]

[FONT=Comic Sans MS, cursive] Able to do normal behaviour patterns[/FONT]

[FONT=Comic Sans MS, cursive]It is really important that guinea pigs are allowed to behave like a guinea pig. This means they need space to run and play together, eat and sleep. Guinea pigs love burrows but can't dig them so we need to give them tunnels etc. This is often achieved with cardboard boxes. They also benefit greatly from being stimulated like dangling their food for them. Hiding pellets in a tube stuffed with hay.The behaviour of a guinea pig helps us know how they are feeling. i.e. Happy, sad, frustrated, hungry, bored and poorly.[/FONT]

[/QUOTE]

boureki · Jun 25, 2009

fi.cantillon said:
The Act puts all responsibility of pet ownership and meeting needs on the owner themselves however there is not any information currently referring to The Act easily available. It took me a long time and persistence to get any answers.

Tell me about it - I keep emailing DEFRA asking for clarification on some of the points in the AWA but several weeks later they STILL haven't bothered to respond.

Wiebke · Jun 25, 2009

Here is my red pencil edition! Hope you don't mind!