OATA is very pleased to support the new Don’t Let Them Loose campaign from the GB Non-Native Species Secretariat.

This important campaign is aimed at pet owners who have the less traditional pets – so not cats and dogs but fish, reptiles and small mammals!

Many pet aquatic animals – like fish, turtles, axolotls, snails etc – are not native to the UK so we all need to take care to make sure they stay where they live best – in their aquarium or pond.

That means owners need to make sure they can’t accidently escape, for example through outside fish ponds being overwhelmed when it floods. And, most importantly, owners must not release them into the wild (like dumping pond fish in rivers or canals).

To protect the welfare of native wildlife and your pets:

  • Keep pets securely – make sure live food containers are secure too!
  • Dispose of waste responsibly – your pet’s bedding and other materials (like tank water) could contain other plants and animals that could become invasive species.
  • Rehome with care if you can no longer look after your animal – Don’t let them loose! (Find useful info here)

Here’s how your business can get behind this important campaign!