Did you know:
- Under the Animal Welfare Act 2006 a pet owner has a legal duty to ensure the welfare of his animal(s). A pet’s welfare needs include:
o A proper diet
o Somewhere suitable to live
o Any need to be housed with, or apart from, other animals
o Allowing animals to express normal behaviour
o Protection from pain, suffering, injury and disease
If you decide to buy a tropical fish we would always recommend the following:
- Fish require a stable environment to survive. This can only be provided in a well-stabilised aquarium of suitable size and with adequate environmental control systems. Seek advice from an experienced aquarist to establish your aquarium. Advice is also available from books, the internet and specialists
- Ensure you buy from someone who has experience in keeping fish
- Ensure that the fish you buy are healthy and free from any sign of injury or disease
- Ensure you provide adequate facilities to transport your fish home and ensure water temperatures are the same when transferring them to their new environment
- If any paperwork is unavailable and has to be sent on, obtain a written commitment as to when it will be delivered
- Never over-stock your aquarium
- If different species are to be mixed, ensure that they have compatible environmental requirements and will not fight
- Remember, fish require specialist veterinary care which could involve referral to a specialist and be expensive
If you require further advice, call:
RSPCA: 0300 1234 999
Pet Care Trust: 01234 273933
