Animal Welfare

From 6 April 2007 (and in Wales from 27 March 2007), animal welfare law was improved.

Not only is it against the law to be cruel to an animal, you must also ensure that all the welfare needs of your animals are met.

These include the need:

1.                  For a suitable environment (place to live)

2.                  For a suitable diet

3.                  To exhibit normal behaviour patterns

4.                  To be housed with, or apart from, other animals (if applicable)

5.                  To be protected from pain, injury, suffering and disease

Anyone who is cruel to an animal, or does not provide for its welfare needs, may be banned from owning animals, fined up to £20,000 and/or sent to prison.