- Petitions

Responsible private keepers are calling for the introduction of the code of practice for primates.

Genuine primate keepers in the United Kingdom believe that they have the right to maintain this beautiful species within exotic collections.

Private keepers believe that if a code of practice is introduced for primate keeping, then there should be no reason why responsible keepers of this species can not maintain them. For far too long, primate keepers have been under the scrutiny of those that oppose the keeping of exotics. If there is a strict code of practice in place under the new animal welfare act, then this will – we believe bode well for private keepers and show to those whom do oppose, and are calling for a ban on the keeping of primates in private hands, that exotics keepers can keep and maintain this species not only well, but extremely well.

Captive care keepers in the United Kingdom believe that they have the right to maintain exotic animal species within their collections. Many oppose the keeping of animals, many more oppose the keeping of exotic species, be these, mammal, primate, avian, reptile, aquatic or invertebrate.

With increased legislation under the new animal welfare act such as codes of practice, enforcement, education, regulation, communication and awareness there should be no genuine reasons for the government to encourage the opposition to continue their campaigns to cease this.

Responsible ownership and husbandry, promotion of both keepers and animals rights also feature very heavily upon the minds of those that do keep animals privately. All keepers therefore call for support from the government rather than condemnation.

We the undersigned petition the Prime Minister to Support private exotic captive care keepers.

We already have Skunks breeding in this country, it is in the best interest of the Skunk to have the scent gland removed and to live as a domestic pet, it is not different for neturing/spaying a cat or castrating a dog which is in the interest of the pet also.

The Federation of Companion Animal Societies promotes responsible pet keeping/companion animal ownership. Please help to ensure that under the Animal Welfare Act the interests of pet keepers are acknowledged & the legislation is not
derailed by the Animal Rights lobby.

Companion animals are good for people. Research has consistently shown the benefits to children; lessons about life, reproduction, death & bereavement & developing respect & responsibility for all living things. For the elderly, pets
provide companionship, sense of purpose, routine & help prevent loneliness and depression.

Research also shows keeping a pet lowers the risk of heart disease & reduces use of the family doctor. The benefit of pet keeping is estimated to save the NHS a billion pounds annually.

Half the homes in the UK currently own a pet & the pet industry is valued at £3.5 billion annually. Britain is a nation of animal lovers; please help to ensure that it can remain a nation that loves to keep pets.

Now that the RSPCA are going to police the new animal welfare law who is going to police them, there is and never has been a watchdog for the rspca,we are not saying that given the right circumstances the rspca can not do a good job but on pass history they need the right direction

The Animal Welfare Act 2006 - as with most other legislation - is a 'common informers act'. That means any person or organisation can bring a private prosecution under the legislation. It is because anyone can initiate criminal proceedings under animal welfare legislation that the RSPCA successfully prosecutes between 750 and 1,000 people each year who have been found to have caused unnecessary suffering to animals.

There is no evidence to show that this current arrangement is not working. Indeed the evidence suggests the contrary: the RSPCA are successful in some 97% of cases they bring before the courts (2004). That is a very high success rate and clearly justifies the RSPCA's general approach. The Government is not aware of any complaints from Magistrates' Courts about the way the RSPCA bring cases before them and we are satisfied that there are adequate safeguards in place within the judicial system to ensure that the right to bring private prosecutions is not abused.

The Government works closely with the RSPCA to ensure this country has the highest animal welfare standards. The RSPCA has played a crucial role as enforcers of animal welfare law for more than a hundred years, and the Government hopes that they will continue to do so in the future.