I READ with dismay the letter from the Countryside Alliance's Simon Hart headlined "The right to hunt" (You Say, May 10).
The RSPCA's submission to the Government on the Animal Welfare Bill was a "positive duty of care." It was not an animal "Bill of Rights" as stated in some areas of the media.
For the benefit of Simon Hart, here is the definition used in the RSPCA's submission. It is:
"Freedom to express normal behaviour by providing sufficient space, proper facilities and company of the animal's own kind."
"By adopting this 'duty of care,' all animals' owners would have a legal responsibility to ensure that animals have adequate food and water, appropriate shelter and access to proper veterinary treatment when needed.
"Animal owners would also be required to provide opportunity for them to express normal behaviour and to avoid mental suffering and distress."
I think this says all that need to be said.
JO CUNNINGHAM,
RSPCA regional press officer.
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