Educate Yourself About Law

3 Pet Laws You Might Not Know About

by Erika Reed

It is natural to expect that when people decide to get a pet, they love and take excellent care of animals. Sadly, some people realise that taking care of a pet is an activity that needs a lot of commitment when they have already gotten one. And so these animals might end up suffering and becoming a problem for the neighbours. Pet laws are in place to ensure everyone takes good care of the animals they have with them. Here are three pet laws whose existence you might not know of but can land you in serious trouble with the law. 

You Should Not Be Cruel to Your Pet

The law prohibits all acts of cruelty against animals. It is illegal to run over, burn, drown, suffocate or impale your pet. The only circumstances in which you are allowed to put your animal down is when they have a terminal sickness and are in too much pain. Even in the situation of a terminal illness or injury, you should contact and professional veterinarian. They can help you put the animal at ease in a humane way. You can get severe legal consequences for being cruel to your animals. 

You Should Neuter and Spay Your Pets

Reproduction is another common problem with pets. Animals are social and will want to interact with others of their kind. For example, cats and dogs will experience regular heat cycles and go seeking mates. Not many people can house and feed a litter of pets. Therefore, you should consider neutering your pet when they are young. Neutering and spaying also reduce the chances that your pet will get cancers of the reproductive system. In males, it reduces aggression and makes the animal easier to keep. 

You Should Vaccinate the Animal

Diseases that are transferred from unvaccinated animals to others and also humans can be deadly. For example, rabies and distemper are common in wildlife. If your pet comes into contact with the disease while they are not vaccinated, they might end up infecting the entire family. Vaccinating your pet is excellent for compliance with animal laws and also safe for you. Experts recommend that you should vaccinate the pet when a few months old. 

These are simple laws meant to protect your animal's welfare and well-being. You should always ensure you comply with all the pet laws in your state. Note that some municipalities also have specific regulations you might not know. Find out all the laws in your state for the best experience with pets. 

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