Protecting Pets

Manawatu Times, Volume 64, Issue 278, 24 November 1939, Page 8

Protecting Pets

FIRST-AID POSTS LONDON, Oct. 14. Animals in Britain are to be registered and given identity discs, in case they get lost in wartime. This applies to dogs, cats, horses and various other agricultural animals, and even pets such as monkeys. The work of registration is to be done by the National A.R.P. Animals Committee, the organisation set up by the Home Office, and composed of members of the veterinary profession and the animal welfare societies.

The committee ia to establish a system of animal guards —if possible, one to every residential street in the country —similar to the system of air raid wardens for human beings. The guards, many of whom will be women, will supply identity discs for the animals in their care.

An official of the committee said this week: "Our guards will have to deal with some strange pets. In the East End of London there are more monkeys than in the rest of the country put together. There are also people who keep pythons, and I know one old lady who keeps a pet eel called Sam —but we shall not him. Nor shall we label chickens or any birds or animals kfept in coops or cages.” Animal guards will not be expected to go into the streets during raids, but will go out immediately afterwards, searching for any injured animals. Already the committee has established about 300 animal first-aid posts throughout the country,