Animal Welfare Act 2006
What does the law actually say?
Section 9 of the Animal Welfare Act places a duty of care on people to ensure they take reasonable steps in all the circumstances to meet the welfare needs of their animals to the extent required by good practice.
What does this mean for those responsible for animals?
In short it means they must take positive steps to ensure they care for their animals properly and in particular must provide for the five welfare needs, which are shown below:
A suitable place to live
Animals should have the right type of home, including shelter, enough space, and somewhere comfortable to rest and hide.
A healthy diet
Animals should have access to fresh, clean water all the ࣺme and should be given the right type and amount of food to keep them fit and healthy
The ability to behave normally
Animals should have enough space and the right kind of faciliࣺes to allow them to behave normally.
The company he or she needs
Animals should been given appropriate company. Some animals should have company and some should be kept on their own.
To stay healthy
Animals should be protected from pain, suffering, injury and disease and should be treated by a vet if they are sick or injured
