ANIMAL WELFARE ACT

Many of you may already be aware of the new animal welfare act that came into force on 6 April this year.  DEFRA support this as the most important piece of legislation for nearly a century.  Not only is it still against the law to be cruel to an animal but you must now ensure that all animals' welfare needs are met. 

What does the new law do?

It is intended to make owners responsible for ensuring that their animal's welare needs are met, including a suitable environment (place to live), a suitable diet, to allow them to exhibit normal behaviour patterns, to be housed with or apart from other animals (if applicable) to be protected from pain, suffering, injury and disease.

The new law also increases the minimum age a person can buy an animal to 16 and prohibits giving animals as prizes to unaccompanied children under this age.

Full details of the new act and other information is available from The Department of the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA).  Their helpline is 08459 335577 or www.defra.gov.uk or collect a leaflet from our Worthing surgery.