New Landmark Law to Better Protect Animals
The Animal Welfare Act, which came into force on 28 March, 2007, in Wales and Friday 6 April, 2007, in England, provides much greater protection for animals.
The new law, which has been long anticipated by the RSPCA, includes a new welfare offence, which for the first time will protect thousands of animals from enduring serious ongoing neglect each year, by legally obliging owners to care for their pets properly.
To mark the historic occasion, Defra Minister, Barry Gardiner, visited RSPCA Harmsworth Animal Hospital in north London and join RSPCA vet David Grant in ushering in the legislation.
“The Animal Welfare Act is of great significance to the many thousands of animals that suffer through neglect, and for those of us that work to help prevent suffering,” said David Grant. “Animals need appropriate food and water, shelter and exercise, and to be treated quickly if they are sick or injured. Crucially now owners and keepers will have a legal responsibility to meet the basic welfare needs of their animals.”
As well as increasing the penalties for those who inflict the most serious offences, the Animal Welfare Act makes it a legal requirement for owners to meet the needs of their animals, which includes:
* a proper diet (food and water)
* somewhere suitable to live
* any need to be housed with or apart from other animals
* the ability to express normal behaviour
* protection from pain, suffering, injury and disease.
RSPCA director general, Jackie Ballard, said: “For the first time in history we have a law which enables our inspectors to prevent animals suffering by taking effective action earlier in cases of ongoing neglect. Most people are well aware of their animals’ needs, and so the change to the law won’t affect them or their pets. However if anyone is unsure about what their pet needs, in terms of diet, appropriate housing, exercise, company, and veterinary care, we would urge them to contact us or their vet for advice.”
Allen & Page is delighted with the implementation of the new Animal Welfare Act. It will have a real impact on the horse owning public, in particular those who do not keep their animals under acceptable conditions and do not take professional advice from their veterinary surgeon or other specialist advisor. The Act means horses can now benefit from better feeding programmes, safe and sufficient turnout and stabling, good husbandry and welfare and an overall better quality of life.
Allen & Page is here to offer the best help and advice you need for managing your horse in the correct way. Simply call our helpline on 01362 822902 or email helpline@allenandpage.co.uk
