Animal Welfare Act 2006
Prior to the Animal Welfare Act 2006, people only had a duty to ensure that an animal didn't suffer unnecessarily. The new Act keeps this duty but also imposes a broader duty of care on anyone responsible for an animal to take reasonable steps to ensure that the animal's needs are met. This means that a person has to look after the animal's welfare as well as ensure that it does not suffer.
The Act says that an animal's welfare needs include:
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a suitable environment (how it is housed);
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a suitable diet (what it eats and drinks);
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the ability to exhibit normal behaviour patterns;
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any need it has to be housed with, or apart from, other animals; and
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protection from pain, suffering, injury and disease.
Your vet can give you advice about healthcare and your animal's needs. There are also several charities and organisations who may be able to help you with specific questions, including:
For further information on the Act, you can visit the Defra| website.
Local authorities now have additional enforcement powers to deal with commercial breeders and sale of animals under the Act, so if you have any concerns about how an animal is being treated, you can contact the Animal Welfare Officer on 01633 647621/22 or e-mail us at commercial.services@torfaen.gov.uk|. For issues at domestic premises please contact the RSPCA| in the usual way.