In an admirable effort to take a more holistic approach to child protection cases, Harrow Council will be asking social workers to check on the welfare of pets in the home as an indicator of the family's capacity to care adequately for their offspring. Sufficient food in the fridge and an assessment of "the wider family and environment" will also be part of the investigation process.
Being suckers for our four legged, furry and feathered friends this is good news as long as there's a smidgen of 'joined up' thinking between social services and the RSPCA in the event of a worst case scenario. We're certainly inclined to agree that a miserable mangy moggy or a depressed and desperate dog is not a sign of a happy home, however full the fridge. (Image / i,max)
