The RSPCA says that it is inappropriate for children to pet meerkats at parties TIMES PHOTOGRAPHER JAMES GLOSSOPAnimal welfare reforms will require the owners of mobile zoos to obtain licences from their local councils, the government has said. An estimated 200 petting zoos exhibit exotic creatures such as monkeys and snakes at children’s parties. The RSPCA told BBC’s Victoria Derbyshire programme that many of the creatures were not being treated properly. It warned that poor welfare could lead to children being attacked or increase the likelihood of the reptiles carrying diseases such as salmonella. The law is to change to force “anyone in the business of providing an animal for exhibit”…

Source: The Times October 10, 2017 07:52 UTC