Sir - I am writing to ask you to help me by printing this letter in the paper.

I am worried that people do not always look after their pets properly. I think that owning a pet is a very responsible job.

All pets need a clean and comfortable home to live in, one that is suitable for their needs. They must have food and water every day. Most pets enjoy attention. If you can play with your pet for just ten minutes every day, your pet will be much happier.

Pets should enjoy an interesting environment to live in. Toys are fun, and often keep them occupied. It is important to give your pet the correct food, and also take it to the vet for annual injections or if it is unwell. So owning a pet can take up your time and be expensive. I think people should think about it very carefully before they buy a pet. Here are some of my ideas that I thought could help people become more responsible and better pet owners.

Before you get your pet, study the way the pet needs to be looked after. There are books, websites, DVDs and TV programmes. You could offer to look after someone else's pet while they go on holiday. The owner can tell you all the information you need to look after it. I think in Europe they take a test about how to look after a pet before they can buy one. I think this is a good idea.

Please print my letter in the newspaper and I hope it will make people think carefully about how they can look after their pets.

Beth Davis , Year 5, Our Lady's, Abingdon