New legislation gives owners and their pets new rights

Pet owners are legally obliged to care properly for their animal under the Animal Welfare Act.

But as well as obligations people have rights when buying pets. Last year Consumer Direct received more than 430 complaints, many from people unaware of their rights under the Sale of Goods Act.

John Field from Consumer Direct Yorkshire & Humber said: "It’s extremely important you do your homework to make sure you will be able to provide the right level of care.

“Buying an animal is clearly not the same as simply buying a product on the high street, but you have the same statutory consumer protections."

Log on to www.consumerdirect.gov.uk or call Consumer Direct on 08454 040 506 for more details.