LONDON (Reuters) - Less than two years after European human rights were incorporated into British law, steps are under way to give pets their own "bill of rights" aimed at guaranteeing them a minimum quality of life.
The Sunday Times newspaper reported that Elliot Morley, an environment minister, will outline proposals on Tuesday to update animal welfare legislation that dates back to 1911.
The paper said that under the proposed rules, pet owners could be prosecuted if they failed to give dogs, cats and rabbits what they needed -- including adequate food and water, enough space and companionship.
"We have an obligation to treat animals in the way that a civilised society expects," Morley was quoted as saying.
A cartoon accompanying the front-page article depicts a gerbil addressing its human master from inside a cage: "I demand to speak to my lawyer."
===== Kevin Dean Buffalo, NY ICQ: 8616001 AIM: KDean75206 Buffalo Activist Network http://www.buffaloactivist.net http://www.yaysoft.com
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