A pet care business owner has visited Parliament to speak about animal welfare.
Lisa Sinnott set up Albany Pet Services with the help of the Prince’s Trust, having loved animals all her life, and was invited to speak on animal welfare issues by the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Animal Welfare (APGAW) representative Marisa Heath.
Lisa, who was brought up in St Albans, said: “It was wonderful and really interesting to meet with Marisa to discuss how MPs, peers charities, and animal experts are working together to use scientific evidence to argue and improve the case of welfare of farm animals, and how they also plan to implement tighter licensing for dog breeding.”
Lisa is currently completing a diploma in professional dog-walking and spoke with the group about the dangers posed by people walking a number of dogs at once.
She said: “We discussed how there needs to be a legal limit on the number of dogs that can be walked at any one time, as there are many people out there treating our canine companions are commodities and walking ridiculous numbers such as 17 at once - it’s totally unsafe and irresponsible.”
APGAW works to keep members of the Houses of Commons and Lords updated about animal welfare issues and to develop potential legislation on the issue.
It is comprised of members from both those houses, and is assisted by charities and Marisa Heath.
Marisa said: “It is great Lisa has shown an interest in the issues around animal welfare policy formation and more importantly the role businesses have to play in ensuring high standards.
“Anyone working with animals has a responsibility to stay updated on legislation and to get involved in encouraging high standards to be adopted.
“Additionally it is really helpful for us to hear what those working with animals are experiencing and to learn from them so we are pleased that Lisa wants to do more to help.”
Lisa also volunteers in a local vets and for the Blue Cross Education department, providing talks in schools about staying safe around dogs and how to care for pets.
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