Adopt A CyberPet

In a bid to help people learn about responsible animal guardianship, England's Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty To Animals (RSPCA) has launched a brand new 3-D virtual 'Cyberpet.'

The RSPCA Cyberpet is designed to help children to understand the commitment involved in looking after a companion animal for the duration of the animal's life, and to consider such questions as: Can you afford the food and vet's bills? Do you have time to play with a companion animal? Can you give him or her enough exercise? What will you do with the animal if you go on holiday?

Bonza, Atomic, Busted and Cosmo are just four of the Cyberpets ready and waiting at the Cyber-Centre to be adopted by new guardians.

But if prospective guardians prefer, they can also design their own furry companion, choosing the colour, eyes, ears and name of their choice.

All the animals can go outside, play ball and eat their dinner and their guardians are responsible for activities such as grooming, feeding, playing and organising a stay in the 'Cyberpettery' if they are unable to log on for a few days.

"Each year the RSPCA is called to rescue animals that are abandoned because the owners were unaware of how much time, money and effort will go into looking after them," said Ann Grain, head of RSPCA press and publications. "The new Cyberpet is a great way for children to learn about the responsibility of owning an animal because it goes some way to showing how much is involved in caring for a pet, such as vaccinations, feeding, grooming and playing."

Just like the animals waiting to be rehomed in RSPCA centres, each Cyberpet has a different background, so guardians may take on an older animal, or an animal who is unwell and needs help getting back to health.

In order to make sure they are fit and healthy, each animal's requirements must be taken into account. The cyberpets will not die if they are not looked after, but if the RSPCA is worried that a Cyberpet is being mistreated or suffering, it may have to come and take the animal away.

All Cyberpet guardians will be given a score to show how well they are looking after their animal, and those who are exceptional at caring for their animal may appear in the 'Cyberpet Top 10.'

Cyberpets can be found, and adopted, at www.rspca.org.uk/cyberpet.

© 2004 Animal News Center, Inc.