Pet ownership comes with a variety of responsibilities, and different countries around the globe have laws that ensure the welfare and safety of animals.
Among these, some mandate micro-chipping while others set apart limits for social animals. Some do this in their unique ways.
Here are eight interesting, and sometimes surprising, laws that point out responsible ownership and animal welfare worldwide:
1. Germany – Mandated dog training
In Germany, dog owners must pass the “Hundeführerschein,” or dog handler’s license.
It assesses knowledge of dog behaviour, training, and care. The bottom line is to ensure that responsible dog owners can properly handle their dogs. This law provides regulation to curb cases of dog aggression and uplift understanding between dogs and their masters. It also focuses on raising well-tamed dogs that would be good members of society.
2. Italy – Tail lights for cats in Milan
In Milan, Italy, there is a bizarre law putting cats under the obligation to have reflective collars or tail lights when out at night. This regulation enhances the visibility of cats for the drivers, and thus, saves many from accidents. The law makes pet safety as an important aspect and demands that owners take active measures for their pets’ protection. While it sounds quite peculiar, this law again emphasizes the fact that the community will ensure that animals in its custody are cared for.
3. Switzerland – Social pets need companions
Did you know it is unlawful in Switzerland to keep social animals such as guinea pigs, parrots, and goldfish without their company? Yes, you read it right! Therefore, the laws there insists that these animals must be accompanied by at least one of their kind to avoid loneliness and to uplift them. This law acknowledges the social needs of some animals and keeps them in their environments that support their natural behaviours. This shows a much stronger understanding of animal welfare and the necessity for an animal to be exposed to proper social interaction, in this case, pets.
4. Japan – Pet microchipping
In Japan, owners are legally obliged to have their dogs and cats microchipped. The pet reunification rate increases when a found pet is microchipped as it becomes easier to identify the owner. Microchipping is a basic, effective way of tracking pets and also helps not to lose them for good. Law supports responsible pet ownership in that it directs the owners to make deeds that their pets will be safe and secure.
5. Australia- Registration and de-sexing
Registration and desexing of pet animals in many locations within Australia have been made mandatory by law. This means, all pets have to be registered with the authorities present there and should be desexed, i.e. spayed or neutered. This law has the main purpose of regulating pet population and decreasing the number of stray animals in general. Registration will help track lost pets to ensure they reach their owners. Desexing is an essential part of responsible pet ownership because it prevents unwanted litter and reduces the likelihood of specific health disorders for the pets.
6. Singapore – Breed specific laws
Singapore has strict laws concerning the possession of particular breeds considered dangerous. Pet owners with such breeds are required to comply with certain standards, which include, among others, leading their dogs on a muzzle in public and securing special licenses. This law ensures people’s safety and yet does not limit people’s ownership of such breeds. Again, responsible breeding and training practices help discourage aggressive tendencies.
7. United Kingdom – Animal Welfare Act
United Kingdom’s Animal Welfare Act 2006 defines the duties of the owners of pets to their animals in terms of welfare. It is balanced, including necessities to provide a good environment, suitable feeding, and necessary health care. It also contains protection against animal cruelty or neglect. The law states that pets’ physical and psychological needs must be met and that their owners are responsible for their care and well-being.
8. United States – No barking after dark
There is a no-barking law in Little Rock, Arkansas that does not allow dogs to bark after 6 PM! The regulation of keeping domesticated animals in residential areas and their barking after a specified time leads to peaceful evening hours. Perhaps apparently tough, the law encourages responsible pet ownership, as owners would ensure that their dogs behave properly and will not disturb neighbours. This also underpins the basics of training and managing pets to prevent nuisance behaviours.
