EVENING NEWS (Edinburgh, UK) 19 June 04 New law to ban children buying pets (Gareth Edwards)

A law making it illegal for children under the age of 16 to buy or own a pet is likely to come into force as early as next year.

The move is being backed by the Scottish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, which says it is almost certain to be part of a new Bill to improve animal welfare legislation.

The issue of a legal age limit for buying pets was raised in a Scottish Executive consultation paper sent out to authorities earlier this year, following concerns that the current age limit of 12 was too young.

There is growing concern that youngsters can buy animals such as iguanas, snakes or tarantulas without parental consent.

Animals bought by children are more likely to end up either being dumped by furious parents or not looked after properly, as in most cases they do not have the knowledge or the funds to properly care for the pet. Concern has also been raised about a relatively small number of cases where children had bought small pets, such as mice or guinea pigs, and then tortured and killed them on a whim.

In their response to the Executive’s consultation paper, approved at a cabinet meeting on Tuesday, East Lothian Council agreed to recommend the minimum age limit for buying or being the legal owner of animals be raised to 16.

The move has been backed by the SSPCA. Libby Anderson, the body’s parliamentary officer, said such a change is almost certain to go through as part of any new Bill.

"Currently children under 12 are not allowed to buy pets unless they are supervised by an adult, but there is a feeling now that that is too young," she said. "Looking after an exotic pet such as an iguana, for example, takes a lot of time and money, and in many cases these animals are just dumped by parents."

Edinburgh City Council has yet to formally consider a response, but councillor Robert Cairns, executive member for environmental services, said it was something he would like to see supported.

"My own view is that this is a very sensible suggestion," he said.

"A pet is not a toy and cannot be treated like a toy, and that is why there should be an age limit on who can and cannot buy pets.

"I hope that this is a proposal which will receive the full backing of the council."

It was noted in the consultation that many responsible pet shops already refused to serve unaccompanied children under the age of 16. The final draft of new legislation is expected later this year and a Bill could be passed by the Scottish Executive by summer 2005.
New law to ban children buying pets

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