General Care
Pet owners are responsible for ensuring the life and safety of their animals while enhancing their welfare. This includes preventing suffering due to thirst, hunger, malnutrition, discomfort, pain, injury, disease, fear, or inability to exhibit natural behavior. Understanding the natural habits of the animals in their care is crucial, and owners must strive to allow their pets to live as close to their natural behavior as possible, taking responsible actions to protect and promote their welfare.
Housing Environment
The housing environment for pets should be suitable considering the animal's type, size, characteristics, health condition, and the purpose of keeping the animal. The space and facilities provided should be ample enough to allow for natural movements such as standing up, lying down, and moving around without any hindrance.
Health Management
Regular vaccinations appropriate to the pet's species should be administered to prevent infectious diseases.
Dogs should be dewormed quarterly.
Any signs of illness or injury, including fractures, must be promptly addressed with veterinary care.
In multi-animal households, care should be taken to ensure that pets do not harm each other, especially when tied or in confined spaces.
Adequate nutrition and clean water must be provided, with feeding areas and resting places kept clean and free from waste.
Grooming
Proper grooming is essential to avoid discomfort in pets, including maintaining fur and nail care to appropriate lengths to prevent hindrance in natural behaviors.
Regulations for Owning Dangerous Breeds
Owners of dangerous breeds, classified as such by regulations, must obtain a special permit for keeping such pets from the city or provincial government.
When outside the home, dangerous dogs older than three months must be equipped with muzzles and leashes or other secure devices to prevent escape, as mandated by the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs.
Owners must ensure these pets do not stray from safe confines without supervision to avoid potential incidents.
Owners of dangerous breeds must follow regulations to prevent their pets from causing harm to people or other animals and are required to have insurance to cover any damages or injuries caused by their pets.
The law restricts dangerous dogs from entering places frequented by vulnerable populations, including schools, daycare centers, elder care facilities, and parks designed for children.
Training and Compliance
Those granted a permit to keep dangerous breeds must undergo regular training on safe management and care of their pets, as specified by agricultural regulations.
Pet ownership is a rewarding but substantial responsibility that demands thorough preparation, awareness of legal obligations, and a commitment to the lifelong care of the animal. Ensuring the safety, health, and happiness of pets not only benefits the animals but also contributes to a safer and more harmonious community.
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