- FOCA S

The Federation of Companion Animal Societies (FOCAS) was formed in response to the then Animal Welfare Bill [now Act] in March 2005. Many of the committee members of FOCAS have been involved in DEFRA Working Groups, or were representatives at Stakeholder meetings.

FOCAS is an umbrella organisation for all animal-keeping taxa: birds, mammals, fish, reptiles and invertebrates. One of its prime purposes is to inform keepers of pending legislation, and to provide a platform for them to contribute to such. The majority of people who run societies do so as an extension to their hobby, most of them work and are unable to attend meetings and FOCAS provides a platform for exchange of information.

Our underlying philosophy is simple: the expertise relating to the keeping and welfare of animals lies with the relevant animal-keeping society and by pulling all the companion animal societies together under one umbrella, an invaluable resource tool is available.

To protect, further and co-ordinate the interests of all societies, organisations and clubs with an interest in companion animals, particularly those involved in the organisation of shows/exhibitions.

To represent the interests of member groups.

To advise and influence all sections of national and local government departments and other relevant national and local organisations.

To encourage education and research of a scientific or practical nature for the welfare and benefit of all companion animals.

Membership is open to all national, regional and local societies, associations and clubs whose interest is the welfare, husbandry, breeding and showing/exhibition of companion animals. Associate membership is available to both groups and individuals not meeting the criteria for full membership. Associate membership does not attract voting rights.

FOCAS was formed by a group of enthusiasts, from many animal keeping societies, to represent the interests of ALL companion animal keepers during the passage through Parliament of the Animal Welfare Bill.

The Bill received royal assent in November 2006 and became law on 6th April 2007.

Unfortunately, despite the high profile of the Act, very few keepers of pets/companion animals are aware of its fundamental content.

Members of FOCAS spend many hours attending meetings & travel many miles to represent YOUR right to keep animals. There is much opposition to keeping animals from radical groups but especially targeted are reptiles, birds and caged pets.

These radical groups have much, often misguided, support themselves and now we ask for YOUR support to fight back with facts not supposition.

Familiarise yourselves NOW with the basic elements of the Act and help us to keep up the pressure on the Government & fight the radicals who want to stop animal keeping completely.

Full information on the Animal Welfare Act, with links to Defra, and details of how to join FOCAS can be found on our website at: