Sunday, March 15, 2009

Animal Hospitals to Question, or Uphold, New Pet Regulations

By Dr. Nortey Omaboe

As with any enforced change, we're likely to hear more from veterinary professionals, as well as pet owners, about the pending Swiss pet housing and care regulations. There will no doubt be friends, and opponents, of the plan.

We've all heard that No Man is an Island, and in accordance with the Swiss Federal Council, on September 1, 2008, no guinea pig or budgie should be either.

The new guidelines aren't targeted only at owners of cavies and budgies, but include 175 pages of regulations that apply to circuses, ranches, and zoos, as well as individuals that possess other domesticated animals.

Supporters of the new regulations, prospected to be enforced in September 2010, include the animals whose care is in question, as well as those troubled about jobless rates in Switzerland. There will be manpower required to enforce these laws, as well as educators needed to teach pet owners.

Though established with the welfare of our furry friends in mind, these upcoming Swiss pet regulations have been met with a certain dose of cynicism.

Naysayers question the potential of these 175 pages to bring order. Case in point,

How can minimum enclosure sizes for budgies and guinea pigs be uniformly implemented?

How will a literal ban on dog possession for those who haven't completed a dog ownership course be enforced? What will happen to canines whose owners are out of compliance?

How will inhabitants of Geneva, where tight dog ownership regulations are already in force, react to 16 hours of additional required instruction?

Farther out of the budgie budget are minimum cage size requirements for large animals, such as elephants and rhinoceroses. Cleanliness guidelines apply to zoos and circuses, which the Swiss government reserves the right to enforce.

Farmers are likely to zoo out about the pending enforcement. Some policy is established, like the ban of chicken cages since 1981, but others might come as a shock. Uninterrupted tethering of animals is now out of the question, while hogs get the right to have a shower on summer days and spick and span pens all year round. And horses, like guinea pigs and budgies, will no longer be living alone.

Likewise, breeders are going to have to breed a new attitude in regard to care of animals on their properties.

The most recent Swiss animal rights rules will not go into full effect until September of 2010, and until they do, the Swiss administration wants to highlight their wish to encourage learning, rather than to rule with a strong arm. This, on the other hand, does not point toward a lax attitude on their part, when penalties are called for. If an event, such as a dog bite, requires action, action will be taken.

You might own a seemingly invisible pet, like a budgie or guinea pig, or a run an organization that displays the largest land mammal alive. Either way, be prepared for education, restrictions, and tougher requirements

The greatest plan of action for any animal owner will unquestionably be to familiarize him or herself with regulations that relate to their specific animal ownership circumstances.

Whether you're a lifelong Geneva native or a newcomer to Switzerland, animal ownership education is not an option, it's now a requirement.

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