Children under 16 won't be able to buy pets in the United Kingdom under a sweeping new animal welfare law proposed in July by the Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs.

Many pet shops already refuse to sell to children, according to the Pet Care Trust, a trade association of manufacturers, pet shops, kennels and groomers. Members of the trust abide by a code of practice known as the Pet Care Charter.

The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals applauded the ban, saying children don't have the financial means to care for pets. Animals they purchase frequently end up in shelters when parents realize the costs involved, the RSPCA said.

Described as the biggest overhaul of animal welfare laws for non-farmed animals in almost a century, the 100-page draft Animal Welfare Bill also would impose a new duty of care upon pet owners, who must provide appropriate housing, nutrition, medical treatment and care. In addition, owners must not permit another person, such as a child, to cause an animal to suffer.

The duty of care provisions would allow the RSPCA to intervene earlier in neglect cases, the organization said. They also would allow inspectors to enter premises without a warrant and to seize animals where they have reasonable belief that an animal is suffering or likely to suffer.

The draft bill has met with favorable reaction from most quarters, according to published news reports.

However, the extended rights of entry granted to inspectors and the new duty of care provisions worry others. In a statement issued to UK press, the Pet Care Trust said the enforcement powers granted to the RSPCA-on record as opposing the sale of animals in pet stores-is a source of concern to pet shops and pet keepers.

The new law also includes tougher penalties for cruelty, makes it illegal to give animals as prizes, bans or restrict tail docking and requires licensure of pet fairs. [September 2004 PET AGE]