PET STREET

PetStreet.co.uk is a social networking website, but unlike MySpace orFaceBook, PetStreet has a specific purpose ­ its members have a passion forthe animals that share our lives. It¹s free to use, every owner has a pageand then can open pages, and upload photos, for all their pets. Once signedup, people can talk to people and pets can talk to pets and so ideas,information and experiences can be shared. PetStreet was set up by Maurice Melzak ­ a zoologist and film-maker with a huge interest in the important role of companion animals in our lives. One of the things that makes PetStreet unique is that there is a clear editorial voice. The editors blog raises all sorts of issues that often generate a great deal of discussion on PetStreet. Examples include Dublin City Councils recent attempt to ban tenants keeping certain breeds of dog,VAT on vets bills, dogs electrocuted by lampposts in London or the Teesside man given an Asbo for a string of offences, including throwing dogs into the path of oncoming traffic! Many issues are raised by PetStreet members ­ one, Rachel Sanderson, a passionate pet owner living on a farm, was not allowed to rehome a dog because her farm was not enclosed. This opened a vigorous debate on the criteria used by rehoming centres. Another member, a young man who keeps Staffy-type dogs was tired of being compared with less responsible owners. So raised the question of a PetStreet campaign where kids who want to keep these dogs are educated and encouraged in responsible dog ownership. PetStreet also has a poll to gauge public opinion on pet-related issues. A current one asks if it is too easy to own a dog. There are also fun items like cartoons and a themed Pet Idol competition where members can upload photos of their pets to be voted on by other members. PetStreet is only just beginning, but its clear ethos of ethical and responsible pet ownership is beginning to strike a chord with pet-loverseverywhere.

http://www.petstreet.co.uk/