Humankind has developed a strong relationship with animals - they have been our companions, have worked for us, assisted us in wartime and protected our property. We use animals for food and we share our environment with a huge variety of wildlife.

The RSPCA's Animal Charter encompasses the belief that man must treat animals humanely. It states: "Where man makes use of animals or interferes with their habitat, he should bestow a level of care befitting man's own dignity as a rational, intelligent, compassionate being, and a level of care merited by the nature of the animal as a sentient creature capable of responding to man's care and attention. Such care should be marked by sympathy, consideration, compassion and tenderness towards animals."

Disclaimer

The pages contained within this section offer general advice on animal care and responsible pet ownership. The RSPCA regrets that it cannot accept any responsibility for acts or omissions based on the following advice as it is intended only as a general introduction to pet-related and animal issues.