FREEDOM COLLARS:

A Scottish innovation developed by a Perth businessman appears to be helping to relieve the symptoms of animal arthritis in the same way that copper bracelets have relieved similar symptoms in human sufferers over the centuries.

Since the product launch in April 1999, the copper-based FREEDOM COLLAR has sold over 3,000 collars world wide from pet owners keen to try it with cats, dogs, horses and even unusual animals like iguanas.

A recent customer survey by the company found that many pet owners are increasingly seeking alternative treatments for their pets amid concerns about the effects of drugs used to treat animal arthritis and meeting prescription costs which can be as high as £40 - £50 per week.

Freedom Collars customers have said that in many cases vets are recommending the copper-based Freedom Collar as an alternative treatment for their pet's arthritis.