Tag: animal welfare

Cat reunited after nearly 500 days thanks to microchip

CATS PROTECTION MICROCHIP PETITION

A heart-warming tale of a cat reunited with its owner after going missing for nearly 500 days highlights the importance of getting pets microchipped.

Cats Protection has launched a petition calling for microchipping to be made compulsory for owned cats in Scotland, as it already is for dogs. 

Ginger tomcat Frank was adopted as a kitten eight years ago after being found straying and surviving on scraps in Fort William. He would often take himself off on short adventures but when he failed to return in June 2025, his owner Joan, a vet, contacted Cats Protection Glasgow Branch for help.

Joan said: “When I adopted him, I had him microchipped so that he could always be traced back to us. I knew in my heart that he was out there somewhere, but none of the ginger cats that were being found turned out to be Frank.” 

But then came the call Joan had been hoping for. “A lady contacted Cats Protection to say her friend had been feeding a cat that matched Frank’s description. It had been coming to her garden for around six months but was quite skittish so she couldn’t get close. She noticed it was quite skinny so began to feed it and provided an outdoor house.”  

Cats Protection Glasgow provided a trap in the hope the cat would go inside and they could see if it was microchipped.

Kirsty Ayres, Cats Protection Glasgow Welfare Team Leader, said: “When we managed to get Frank inside the trap and scanned his microchip, we were delighted when we realised we had found him and could reunite him with Joan.

“As a supporting vet, Joan has gone above and beyond for the charity over the years so it felt like karma that we’d got him back for her. We wanted to make it a surprise and when I turned up at the surgery with a covered cage, she had no idea it was Frank inside.”

Joan added: “I lifted the cover, saw him and said his name in disbelief! As soon as he realised it was me, he cried and miaowed. I hugged the Cats Protection volunteer who had managed to trap him and scan the microchip that led him back to me. 

“We’d missed him so much and so had our other cat, Frank’s brother. Now Frank’s enjoying all the cuddles and scratches he’s missed whilst away on his adventure.” 

The UK’s largest cat charity says that microchipping gives lost or injured cats the best chance of being reunited with their owner. Without a registered microchip, it is extremely difficult to trace an owner, a problem the charity’s staff and volunteers see on an almost daily basis. 

Microchipping is a safe and permanent method of identification. Unlike collars, microchips do not come off or put cats at risk of collar-related injuries.

Cats Protection is calling on the Government to introduce compulsory microchipping in Scotland, following on from its successful campaign to make it a legal requirement in England, where it became law in 2024.

Alice Palombo, Advocacy & Government Relations Manager, said: “Cats are independent and curious creatures, prone to wandering, and they can become lost. Microchipping is the best way of ensuring these lost cats can be returned home.

“A microchip is also a valuable tool when cats are sadly run over and injured or killed on the roads as their families can be quickly informed.

“We are hopeful that, with public support, the Scottish Government will see the long-term benefits of compulsory microchipping for cats, people and animal welfare organisations and push forward with passing it into law.

To sign the petition calling on the Government to implement compulsory microchipping for cats visit action.cats.org.uk/MicrochippingScotland  

Letter: Readers urged to help stamp out trophy hunting imports

Dear Editor,

With the summer holiday season coming to an end, many of us will be familiar with the strict rules on what we can bring home to the UK from a foreign trip. Whether it’s cheese from France or exotic fruits from more far-flung countries, there are a host of restrictions on what travellers can bring through customs.

So it may come as a shock to readers that hunting trophies – made from the body parts of hunted animals like lions, elephants and cheetahs – can still be legally bought into the country simply by being granted a licence by Government.

This is despite repeated promises from the Government to ban hunting trophy imports, and research consistently showing that more than four in five Brits believe hunting trophy imports should be illegal*.

Whether they live in our gardens or on another continent, wild animals belong in the wild, not on display as souvenirs. That’s why we’re calling on the Government to finally bring in a ban on trophy hunting imports so we can make 2026 the last summer this abhorrent practice is allowed.

Readers can help by signing up to support the campaign being run by Humane World for Animals UK, Born Free and Four Paws UK at:

humaneworld.org/nothing-to-declare

David Elliott

Executive Director, Humane World for Animals UK

Dr Mark Jones

Head of Policy, Born Free Foundation

Arthur Thomas

Public Affairs Advisor,Four Paws UK

Dog owners warned their pets may become confused during Solar Eclipse

Dogs may mistake the sudden darkness for an early bedtime, with some pets becoming unsettled, expecting food or attempting to follow their usual evening routine.

Dog owners are being warned that their pets could display unusual behaviour during tomorrow’s solar eclipse, as the sky suddenly darkens across the UK.

TONIGHT, Wednesday 12 August, the Moon will obscure around 90% to 96% of the Sun across the UK and Ireland, making it the most significant eclipse visible from Britain since 1999.

The partial eclipse is expected to begin shortly after 6pm, peak at approximately 7.10pm and finish shortly after 8pm, although exact timings and coverage will vary by location.

While the event poses no inherent danger to dogs, the unexpected change in daylight and temperature could temporarily disrupt the environmental cues they use to understand their daily routine.

Darren Beale, CEO of fresh dog food brand Years, said: “Dogs will not understand that an eclipse is taking place. Instead, they may interpret the sudden drop in light and temperature as an early sunset.

“Some dogs might become quieter, head towards their bed or start expecting their evening meal or walk earlier than usual. More sensitive dogs could appear unsettled, follow their owner around, pace or become unusually alert.

“However, most dogs are unlikely to become seriously distressed. Because tomorrow’s eclipse takes place during the early evening, when many dogs are already beginning to settle down, its effect may be less noticeable than an eclipse happening in the middle of the day.”

The signs your dog may be unsettled by the eclipse

Owners may notice their dog:

  • Heading to its bed earlier than usual
  • Waiting near its food bowl or the door
  • Following family members around the home
  • Pacing, whining or appearing restless
  • Becoming quieter or sleepier
  • Barking at changes outside
  • Seeking reassurance or somewhere to hide

Darren added: “The eclipse itself may not be the biggest source of anxiety. Unusual crowds, noise and excitement outside could be more unsettling, particularly for nervous dogs or those sensitive to changes in their surroundings.

“The best thing owners can do is keep the evening as normal as possible. Feed and walk your dog at its usual time, behave calmly and make sure it has access to a quiet, familiar place.”

Should dogs wear eclipse glasses?

Owners do not need to purchase eclipse glasses for their pets or attempt to make dogs wear human eye protection.

Dogs do not generally have a reason to stare directly at the Sun. However, owners should never encourage a dog to look towards it for photographs or direct its attention towards the sky.

Darren said: “Trying to put eclipse glasses on a dog could cause more stress than the eclipse itself. Keep your pet comfortable, avoid encouraging it to look upwards and supervise it if you are attending a busy viewing event.

“If your dog is already nervous around crowds or unfamiliar noise, it may be happier staying safely indoors while the eclipse takes place.”

How to keep your dog calm during the eclipse

Years recommends that owners:

  1. Keep meals, walks and bedtime at their normal times.
  2. Close curtains if the changing light appears to unsettle the dog.
  3. Provide access to its usual bed or quiet space.
  4. Avoid taking nervous dogs to crowded eclipse-viewing locations.
  5. Use familiar activities, such as a food puzzle or gentle indoor play.
  6. Remain calm and avoid making the event feel alarming.
  7. Contact a vet if the dog displays severe or persistent signs of distress.

Keith looks for forever home after receiving expert care at Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home

The charity’s animal welfare team walk over two marathons daily caring for Edinburgh’s pets

Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home is highlighting the vital role it plays in supporting pets and their people across the city, as Keith, a hairy lurcher who arrived at the Home in need of urgent care, prepares to find his forever home.

The charity, which has been part of Edinburgh for more than 140 years, provides expert care for dogs and cats in need while offering advice, support and reassurance to pet owners across local communities.

Keith was brought to police by a member of the public before arriving at Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home. He was emaciated, had open wounds across his body and needed medicated treatment for his paws after standing in foul conditions.

Despite everything he’s been through, Keith is now ready to find his forever home.  His true personality has started to shine thanks to the expert care and patience of the team at Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home.

Once he feels comfortable, Keith is cuddly and affectionate, often laying his head in a lap, and has shown his playful side as he continues to grow in confidence.

As Edinburgh’s Home for pets and the people who love them, the charity provides far more than a safe place to stay. From helping animals recover from neglect, injury or difficult circumstances, to supporting pet owners with advice and guidance, the Home plays a vital role in the lives of people and animals across the city.

Between January and April 2026 alone, the Home received 5,725 calls from members of the public, averaging more than 1,400 calls a month and over 300 every week.

The Home also averages 105 veterinary visits every month, helping dogs and cats access the care they need before they are reunited with their owners or matched with new families.

Amelia Morgan, CEO at Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home, said: “Keith’s story is a powerful reminder of why Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home is here. He arrived needing care, patience and expert support, and our team has been there for him every step of the way.

“This is what it means to be Edinburgh’s Home. We are here for dogs and cats in need, but we are also here for the people who love and care for them, whether they need advice, reassurance or practical support.”

The work that happens behind the scenes is also significant. The charity’s Animal Welfare Team clocks up around 122,625 steps every day while caring for animals on site, roughly the equivalent of walking more than two marathons.

Amelia added: “Every walk, vet visit, clean bed and kind interaction helps animals feel safe, loved and ready for their next chapter.

“Keith has been through a great deal, but he is affectionate, playful and ready to find the right home. Like every animal in our care, he deserves the chance to move forward and enjoy the life ahead of him.”

Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home continues to support pets and their people across the city through expert care, rehoming, reunification and community services.

Battersea support for Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home

We’re incredibly grateful to have received £192,288 through the Future Ready programme, supported by Battersea.

This funding will help strengthen the future of Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home, allowing us to grow our impact, improve how we work, and ensure we can continue to be there for dogs, cats and the people who love them across Edinburgh and beyond.

With Battersea’s support, we’ll be able to invest in both our people and infrastructure to help meet growing demand for our services.

We’re hugely thankful to Battersea for their belief in our work, their trust and shared commitment to improving animal welfare. Thanks to their support, we can continue to provide safety, care and second chances for dogs and cats who need us most across Edinburgh and beyond for the next 140 years. 

💚
💙

Which political parties are prioritising stricter fireworks regulations and farmed fish welfare in Scotland?  

The British Veterinary Association (BVA) has published a new toolkit to help voters identify which of Scotland’s political parties are prioritising stricter fireworks regulations, farmed fish welfare, a ban on electric shock collars for dogs and cats, and other key animal welfare and veterinary workforce issues in the Holyrood elections next month.

BVA’s Manifesto for Scotland’s animals, vets, and public health 2026-2031 includes a number of key asks for Members of the Scottish Parliament (MSP) candidates, including a call to implement the recommendations of the Fireworks Review Group and championing the veterinary voice in farming policy. 56% of vets in Scotland believe that the latter should be one of the most urgent priorities for the new Scottish Government, according to a recent BVA Voice of the Veterinary Profession survey.

When asked to pick up to three pledges from a list, 44% of vets also wanted the incoming Scottish Government to prioritise tightening the regulation of fireworks as soon as possible, while 42% want to prioritise a ban on the sale and use of electric shock collars for dogs and cats.

Voters who wish to consider animal welfare and veterinary workforce issues when voting next month can use BVA’s new toolkit to see how the manifestos of the major parties align with BVA’s key asks championing the veterinary voice in farming policy and tightening the regulation of fireworks, as well as five other key calls to action:

  • Better protect the welfare of farmed fish- Implement legislation based upon the principles of humane slaughter of farmed fish as set out by the Animal Welfare Committee. As an interim measure, we welcome the new statutory guidance issued by the Government under the Animal Health and Welfare (Scotland) Act 2006.
  • Teach children about animal welfare- Make animal welfare and sentience part of the national curriculum. Children should learn about animals’ needs, duty of care, and the meaning of sentience so they grow up treating animals and people with compassion and respect.
  • Support the veterinary workforce– Streamline the visa/sponsorship process for international vets to attract and support veterinary talent from overseas and sustain the vital roles they contribute to in Scotland, including public health.
  • Ban electric shock collars – Introduce a complete ban on the sale and use of electric shock collars for dogs and cats. Evidence shows that reward-based training is not only the most effective training method for animals but also makes sure they are protected from any pain or suffering as part of their training.
  • Veterinary education funding: Ensure that veterinary education is properly funded and supported by removing financial barriers for universities and students, so that more homegrown talent, particularly from rural areas, can enter the profession.

BVA Scottish Branch President Vivienne Mackinnon said: “Our manifesto highlights the key animal welfare and workforce issues that matter most to our members across Scotland’s veterinary community. 

“We hope that this toolkit will help those who want to consider these issues when voting next month to see how the manifestos of the major parties align with BVA’s key asks for Scotland.”

BVA is the leading body representing vets in the UK, with around 19,000 members, including nearly 2,500 in Scotland. For more details on BVA’s voter toolkit for Scotland, visit www.bva.co.uk/scottish-branch.

bva-manifesto-for-scotlands-vets-and-animals-2026-finalDownload

Loyal donors power Edinburgh Dog & Cat Home as daily costs surpass £7,000

As charities across the UK face increasing financial pressure and a decline in overall donations, Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home is thanking its community of regular donors whose ongoing support is helping transform the lives of pets and their owners.

Today, 3,044 regular donors collectively fund approximately one sixth of the charity’s work and aid in ensuring animals receive the care they need all year round.

With rising energy and operational costs placing growing pressure on animal welfare charities, the Home is highlighting the vital role that consistent, monthly donations play in keeping its doors open. It costs around £7,000 per day to run the Home, which receives no government funding and relies almost entirely on the generosity of the public.

Amelia Morgan, CEO at Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home, said: “Regular giving allows us to plan for the future and ensure these wonderful animals receive the highest quality of care all year round, no matter what.

“We are endlessly grateful for the continuing support of our regular donors who help us be there for dogs and cats who need us.”

Even small monthly donations have a direct impact, from helping provide food for growing kittens and puppies, to covering essential treatments, specialist diets, and dedicated behavioural training to help dogs thrive.

That ongoing support is what enables the charity to make rehoming stories like Hamish’s possible.

Hamish, an anxious collie, spent almost a year in the Home’s care after struggling to trust new people. The team worked patiently to build his confidence, knowing it would take time for him to truly come out of his shell and find the right person for Hamish.

That moment came when he met his new owner Paul. Visit by visit, trust began to grow, until Hamish was ready to take the next step. Today, he is thriving, full of life, loyal and enjoying the loving home he deserves.

Hamish’s journey is just one example of the impact regular donations make every day. In 2025 alone, the Home accepted 343 animals, rehomed or reunited 318 pets, and provided more than 636,000 meals through community food banks, support that met only half of the demand seen across the region.

As demand continues to grow, the charity says regular giving will play an increasingly important role in ensuring it can continue to support pets and their owners through challenging times.

Amelia added: “Every single regular donation helps us be there for animals like Hamish and the thousands more who need us each year.

“To everyone who already supports us, thank you. You are making a real and lasting difference every single day.”

To donate to the Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home, please visit:

https://edch.org.uk/donate/

  • £5 Could help pay for nourishing food to help a kitten or puppy to grow
  • £10 Could help pay for flea, worming, and parasite treatment for a new dog or cat on arrival.
  • £20 Could help pay for special dietary food for pets who need specialised care.

Animatronic pig shocks Edinburgh by exposing ‘pregnancy cage cruelty’ with installation in city centre

  • ‘It’s not a fight of people versus farmers, but about working with farmers to make sure we can get better protections for animals’ – James Dalgleish
  • ‘A cage is a cage, and public opinion is clear: mother pigs don’t belong behind bars’ – Claire Bass 

Humane World for Animals UK (formerly known as Humane Society International UK) was in Edinburgh city centre on April 14 with its campaign to ban farrowing crates. Campaigners installed a life-sized animatronic pig named Penny to highlight the harsh reality faced by tens of thousands of mother pigs on industrial farms. 

Penny sparked discussions among members of the public about her presence inside a metal crate, like those used to confine sows while they give birth and nurse their piglets. The striking installation is designed to show the severe restriction endured by mother pigs kept in these systems.

Abdullah from Livingstone, said: “Putting a sentient being in any sort of cage is unacceptable. I think mother pigs should be free to look after their babies, without being confined or exploited, just like we would expect a human mother or a mother from any other animal species.”

According to the latest agricultural census, as of 2025, Scotland is home to 25,600 sows, about half of whom are kept in indoor pig farms that keep mother pigs in these cages. Under current laws, they can be kept for up to five weeks confined in narrow metal cages every time they give birth, typically two or three times a year.

The cages are so restrictive that the animals are unable to turn around and have little opportunity to engage in natural behaviours such as nest-building or moving freely with their piglets, damaging their physical and mental health.

James Dalgleish, Labour candidate for Edinburgh Central, said: “It’s not a fight of people versus farmers but about working with farmers to make sure we can get better protections for animals who can then be healthier and happier.”

Polling commissioned by Humane World for Animals UK revealed that 84% of the Scottish public reject the use of farrowing crates for mother pigs.

Over half of respondents (54%) stated they would be willing to pay more for meat from crate-free pigs, indicating opportunities for farmers to benefit from the highest welfare standards financially.

Humane World for Animals UK warns that some parts of the industry are shifting towards so-called ‘flexible’ farrowing crates, which involve the same extreme confinement for a shorter period (10 days). The organisation says these systems will condemn another generation of mother pigs to unnecessary suffering, and advocates instead for cages to be replaced with free-farrowing pens. 

Claire Bass, senior director of campaigns at Humane World for Animals UK, said: “Many people are shocked that such extreme, prolonged confinement is still legal in Scotland. Farmers must end cruel caging, not replace old cages with new ones that would condemn millions more pregnant and nursing pigs to future decades of misery. A cage is a cage, and public opinion is clear: mother pigs don’t belong behind bars. 

“With the Scottish election fast approaching, our tour is turning public compassion into political pressure. Voters in Edinburgh and across Scotland are demanding change and joining our call for the next Scottish Government to support farmers to put an end to pregnancy cage cruelty.” 

ABOUT HUMANE WORLD FOR ANIMALS

Together, we tackle the root causes of animal cruelty and suffering to create permanent change. With millions of supporters and work underway in over 50 countries, Humane World for Animals—formerly known as the Humane Society of the United States and Humane Society International—addresses the most deeply entrenched forms of animal cruelty and suffering.

As the leading voice in the animal protection space, we work to end the cruellest practices, care for animals in crisis and build a stronger animal protection movement. Driving toward the greatest global impact, we aim to achieve the vision behind our name: a more humane world.  

humaneworld.org

How the Clock Change can disrupt your dog’s routine this weekend

With the clocks moving forward this weekend, dog owners may notice small changes in their pets’ behaviour as routines shift overnight.

According to Jo Hinds, COAPE-Certified Behaviourist & Dynamic Dog Practitioner at Years, the fresh dog food subscription service, even a one-hour adjustment can affect feeding times, walks and sleep patterns for dogs that rely heavily on routine.

“Dogs are creatures of habit,” says Jo Hinds, COAPE-Certified Behaviourist & Dynamic Dog Practitioner at Years, a fresh dog nutrition brand focused on personalised feeding.

“They don’t understand the concept of daylight saving time, so when feeding or walk times suddenly change by an hour, it can feel confusing for them. Some dogs may wake earlier, seem restless, or start asking for food before their owners are ready.”

The clocks in the UK moved forward on Sunday 29 March 2026, meaning mornings will be darker and evenings lighter.

Jo Hinds, COAPE-Certified Behaviourist & Dynamic Dog Practitioner at Years, says the shift can be particularly noticeable for dogs that follow very structured daily schedules: “Dogs learn routines incredibly quickly. If breakfast normally arrives at 7am, their internal clock expects it.

“When that suddenly becomes 8am from their perspective, they can become impatient or unsettled.”

Signs Your Dog Is Adjusting to the Clock Change

Owners may notice small behavioural changes in the days following the time shift, including:

  • Waking earlier than usual
  • Asking for food earlier in the morning
  • Increased restlessness in the evening
  • Seeming slightly out of sync with walk times

“These behaviours are usually temporary,” Jo explains. “Most dogs settle within a few days once the new routine becomes consistent.”

Tips to Help Dogs Adjust to the Clock Change

Pet experts say small adjustments can make the transition easier:

Shift routines gradually
Move feeding and walk times by 10 to 15 minutes over a few days before the clocks change.

Keep exercise consistent
Regular walks help maintain structure and reduce restlessness.

Stick to familiar cues
Using the same bowls, walking routes and commands helps reinforce routine.

Avoid sudden feeding delays
If your dog is clearly expecting breakfast earlier, easing the transition over a few days can prevent frustration.

Maintain evening wind down habits
Consistent bedtime routines help dogs adapt to lighter evenings.

“Dogs thrive on predictable schedules,” Jo adds. “A few small adjustments can make the clocks changing far less confusing for them.”

Pet owners are also reminded that lighter evenings often mean longer walks and more outdoor activity for dogs, which can help them quickly settle into the new seasonal rhythm.

Find out more: https://www.years.com/pages/pet-panel 

Pets at Home protest

RESCUE NOT RETAIL WEEK OF ACTION

PROTESTERS gathered outside Edinburgh Pets At Home (Pets At Home Edinburgh Fort Kinnaird) today and called on newly appointed CEO, James Bailey, to stop live animal sales at all of the chain’s stores.

  • Live animals are sold in the majority of Pets At Home stores; rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, rats, gerbils, fishes, insects and reptiles.
  • Newly appointed Pets At Home CEO James Bailey, will start work in the new role on March 30th 2026.
  • Campaigners representing Rescue Not Retail are calling on James Bailey, the former Waitrose boss, to end the sale of live animals in all Pets At Home stores.
  • Protestors wore masks and signs were held outside the front of the shop that said “Animal abuse in shops! James Bailey, make it stop!’ Pets at home abuse them daily! End it now James Bailey!”, “Hamsters are not toys! Just like us!”. “Fishes are not decorations! Just like us!”. “Snakes are not hobbies! Just like us!”.
  • The protest was part of a nationwide week of action organised by campaign group Rescue Not Retail. Other protests are happening in Edinburgh, Derby, Dorchester, Huddersfield, Leeds, London, Manchester, Nottingham, Portsmouth, Southampton
  • The week of action has followed an open letter written by Rescue Not Retail to Pets at Home asking for an end to animal sales. The letter was endorsed by Chris Packham, Dame Joanna Lumley, Gail Porter, Peter Egan and other notable figures, including 29 veterinary professionals and 25 animal rescues. 
  • Over the past 6 months, Pets At Home have seen their profits dive, a 25% drop in share price, and their CEO depart with an interim currently in place.
  • Rival pet store chain Jollyes removed live animals from all of their stores earlier this year, receiving praise from animal rescues.
  • The UK is in a rescue crisis, exacerbated by the fallout of Covid and the rising cost of living, with an estimated 184,000 small animals given up every year.

LOCALS protested for two hours outside Pets At Home (Edinburgh, Fort Kinnaird) calling for new CEO James Bailey to stop selling live animals. With rescue centres across the country at bursting point and facing funding issues, campaigners are addressing the root cause of this crisis.

Many pet store chains have already stopped selling live animals, James Bailey and Pets At Home are simply being asked to follow suit. A growing number of people are boycotting Pets At Home stores completely due to the conditions the animals are kept in there, likely contributing to the recent slump in profits of the business.

Chris Rhodes, an animal advocate from Edinburgh said: “James Bailey, the newly appointed CEO of Pets at Home, must end the abuse of animals in shops by halting animal sales across all stores.

“We’re saying loud and clear: ‘Animal abuse in shops! James Bailey, make it stop! Pets at home abuse them daily! End it now James Bailey!“

Chris Rhodes, an animal advocate from Edinburgh said: “James Bailey, the newly appointed CEO of Pets at Home, must take immediate action to end this abuse by halting animal sales across all stores.

“Pets at Home is acting irresponsibly by encouraging the objectification of animals and enabling impulse purchases. There is a troubling lack of transparency within the pet industry—we do not know exactly where the animals sold at Pets at Home come from. Pet mills operate as factory farms supplying animals for the trade.

“Snakes, fishes, and hamsters are thinking, feeling beings with distinct personalities and complex needs. They are not decorations or toys to be bought on a whim and discarded when they become inconvenient. Pets at Home should instead promote adoption as a way to help address the ongoing rescue crisis..“

Chris Rhodes, animal advocate, from Edinburgh said: “James Bailey, the new CEO of Pets at Home, must end the sale of animals and stop reinforcing the idea that animal exploitation is acceptable.

“Fishes, snakes, and hamsters are sentient beings with the capacity to think and feel. Animals are not objects, decorations, or toys to be purchased for human gratification. Pets at Home should instead champion adoption as a way to help address the ongoing rescue crisis.

“Fishes are not decorations! Hamsters are not toys! Snakes are not ‘hobbies’. Rabbits are not ‘for children’.”

Rescue Not Retail is a campaign group raising awareness of animal suffering in the pet industry.

The organisation’s first aim is getting Pets At Home to stop selling live animals on their shop floors. All animals are complex individuals who have specific care needs that can be very difficult for the average household to meet.

Misinformation during sales leads to many people finding themselves responsible for an animal they cannot properly care for, so the animal ends up either neglected, passed on to a rescue, or abandoned.

In response to the campaign’s recent open letter, naturalist Chris Packham said: “It’s time we stopped treating sentient, feeling animals as products on a shelf. Every small animal sold in a shop is an individual, not a toy or decoration.

Like ourselves, each hamster, rabbit, guinea pig and so on has just one life to live and they deserve not to be commodified. Keeping animals on shop floors encourages people to buy them on a whim, which is fuelling a rescue crisis in the UK.

“If we truly love animals we must end the sale of them in stores.”

Open letter to Pets at Home CEO – Rescue Not RetailDownload