gerbils and leaving them unattended

Jensberries

Hello folks. Does anyone know the law on leaving gerbils unattended. Sometimes I work away for a couple of days but don't always have people to check on them. They always have plenty of food and two water bottles. I want what's best for them but also don't want to get into trouble for cruelty to animals etc as I am not an expert. They are perfectly healthy clean and well cared for.

Thanks in advance

krlyr

The RSPCA believe in the five freedoms

http://www.rspca.org.uk/utilities/faq/-/question/ENQ_Five_Freedoms/category/Pets/

Freedom from hunger and thirst
By providing enough fresh water and the right type and amount of food to keep them fit.
Freedom from discomfort
By making sure that animals have the right type of environment including shelter and somewhere comfortable to rest.
Freedom from pain, injury and disease
By preventing them from getting ill or injured and by making sure animals are diagnosed and treated rapidly if they do.
Freedom to express normal behaviour
By making sure animals have enough space, proper facilities and the company of other animals of their own kind.
Freedom from fear and distress
By making sure their conditions and treatment avoid mental suffering.

If they were to run out of food, chew their water bottle (or it get jammed or leak), injure themselves, etc. on day 1 then it means they may spend a couple of days without all 5 freedoms. Personally I would drop them in with a friend or a petsitting service - the latter are pretty inexpensive for small animals.

The five freedoms are not enforcable by law, but morally I would want to follow them for my pets.

Jensberries

Thanks. They do have all of those 5 so that makes me feel better, but does anyone know where the law stands? What is reasonable? A day or two with food or water? I know someone who left his for a week which I would say is way too long. Would a couple of days be wrong or illegal or what's classed as cruelty as far as the authorities are concerned? What is enforceable?

Thanks again.

krlyr

http://www.rspca.org.uk/in-action/changingthelaw/whatwechanged/animalwelfareact
Interestingly this says that the Animal Welfare Act means the owner has to follow the five freedoms - yet the five freedoms page says it's not enforcable by law

https://www.gov.uk/animal-welfare-legislation-protecting-pets
may be worth a read too


Whilst 99% of the time you may be providing all 5 freedoms, the issue is that if one of them suddenly fails to be provided, you're not there to know or rectify the problem. E.g. if by a freak accident, both water bottles leaked or blocked, that could be 2-3 days without water. If the gerbils got sick or injured (perhaps had a fight, or developed a respiratory infection), again, 2-3 days before you noticed and could provide veterinary care (and in such small, delicate creatures, the delay could make a huge impact on their outcome). This is why I would, at the minimum, suggest someone pops in once a day to check on them.

Jensberries

Useful information there but still no real definitive guidance as to what's really acceptable. As in quantity of time etc. But then I guess maybe every case is different. From what I can gather, if you are being naughty, inspectors will come and advise you as to how to change things and take it from there.

krlyr

I don't imagine there is a specific law on how long you can leave your gerbils, but if you're that concerned maybe contact the RSPCA to see if they can clarify it in more detail.

Notsosharp

I've left my rat overnight before with two water bottles and plenty of food (he hoards a lot anyway) if that's any help but never longer than this.

My cats I've done the same but again it's never a full 24 hours.

I think it is OK overnight but probably not OK for any longer than this.

Lizzie-S

I would say from Monday morning to Wednesday evening would be OK, as long as they have lots of food in their bowls and 2 water bottles attached to the cage. Maybe even a bowl of water in the cage too. 60 hours max though...In this weather maybe less: maybe 36 hours, as the water may run out quick.