9 SCIENCE GROUP REVIEW 2014
Companion animals department
Pet owners looking for cat toys,
dog beds or even pet insurance
can shop online at the RSPCA's
store. The RSPCA believes it is
important to sell and promote
products that help owners to
meet the needs of their pets
and the companion animals
team play an essential role in
achieving this. Working closely
with RSPCA Enterprise, the
companion animals team review
products and labelling to
ensure they are safe, act in
accordance with law and do
not contravene RSPCA policy
or compromise welfare.
As well as reviewing existing
products ranging from food
enrichment toys for dogs to
comfortable hiding places for
cats, the companion animals
team have also provided advice
on the development of the
RSPCA pet food products
and have provided technical
information and advice to
external companies who are
considering which pet products
to manufacture.
DEVELOPING WELFARE FRIENDLY PRODUCTS
These are some of the products we have worked on this year:
Motorola Scout 83 HD camera
With a recent study showing that
85 percent of dogs may show
some kind of reaction when
they are left alone, being able
to monitor your pet's behaviour
when you are not at home is a
valuable tool for pet owners.
If an owner knows their dog is
not coping when they are left
alone, they can then take steps
to help them feel more relaxed.
A licensing partnership with the
RSPCA and Motorola's Scout
83 HD camera was an excellent
opportunity for the companion
animals team to help owners
meet their pets' needs and make
sure they are able to cope if they
have to be left alone for short
periods. Four videos promoting
the camera and different aspects
of pet care were promoted via
social media in December 2014.
HarperCollins pet care guides
Our understanding about
companion animal behaviour and
welfare has advanced greatly in
recent years, so we welcomed
an opportunity, alongside RSPCA
Enterprise, to update the RSPCA
range of HarperCollins pet care
books on caring for puppies,
kittens, rabbits, hamsters and
guinea pigs.
Pet ownership can be incredibly
rewarding and studies have
demonstrated the benefits it can
provide. For example, growing up
with pets offers health benefits
and caring for an animal can help
improve a child's social skills -
encouraging the development of
compassion, understanding and a
respect for living things.
Having a pet is, however, a huge
responsibility and requires longterm
commitment in terms of
care and finances. There is a legal
requirement under the Animal
Welfare Act 2006 for owners to
care for their pets properly, and
an important part of the work of
the companion animals team is to
provide owners with the information
they need to be able to do this.
The books are based on up-todate
knowledge of companion
animal behaviour and contain
information on the biology and
behaviour of the species, and
information and advice to help
owners meet the welfare needs
of their pets. There is also advice
on things to consider before
getting a pet and how to source
a happy, healthy animal. These
updated guides will be published
in early summer 2015.
In the media
spotlight A key role of the companion
animals team is representing the
RSPCA's views on companion
animal welfare in press, radio
and television interviews.
This year we have provided
views and advice on a range
of companion animal issues
including the suitability of small
breed pigs as pets, providing
for a rabbit's welfare needs, the
welfare of pedigree dogs, dealing
with aggressive dogs, how best
to train dogs, poisoning of cats
and dealing with abandoned
animals. Interviews have been
featured on Radio Two, Radio
Wales, many local radio stations
and ITV Meridian news.
staff in action
Lisa Richards -
Scientific Officer
"Being able to offer a range of products that
allows dogs and other pets the opportunity to
play, interact with their owners and perform other
natural behaviours is a positive way for us to be able
to improve the lives of many animals."
Philip Toscano, Andrew Forsyth/RSPCA Photolibrary