[Opinions on the raising of pets by animal welfare standards]

Keeping of small pet animals is still increasing and, in most cases, has a well-meaning motivation in the sense of a charitable engagement. However, false estimation of the specific requirements of these animals often results in inadequate keeping, feeding and housing conditions. The most frequent mistakes, which finally may cause abnormal behaviour or even illness, are a restricted radius of action, missing of social contacts and absence of adequate sexual partners.