FOR nearly 100 years, UK law has required an animal to suffer before any action can be taken.

RSPCA inspectors routinely see cases of animals that, without intervention, are likely to suffer but they are not legally allowed to do anything. They must wait for suffering to start before the law grants them the right to act.

Our current law was introduced in 1911. It is now archaic and outdated. We can no longer live in a society that sits back and waits for animals to suffer when it is clear they are only a step away from suffering unless something is done.

The government is currently considering reforming the UK's outdated animal law. We need to make sure that the new Bill is introduced this year while the government has the goal in its sights. We cannot allow this opportunity to pass.

Please support the RSPCA's campaign calling for a duty of care to be enshrined in UK law to ensure all animal owners know what is required of them when they take on an animal. So many cases of suffering are due to the pet owner not being aware of what is expected of them. If all pet owners received a code of practice with their pet, containing care guidelines, they would know how to prevent suffering.

Prevent suffering. Act now. This may be the most important thing we can do to prevent animal suffering in our lifetimes.

BILL ODDIE and other leading celebrities.