UK TOUGHENS UP ANIMALS WELFARE LEGISLATION
If I were a pet anywhere in the world, I want to be in the UK. On 12 October 2006 the Animal Health and Welfare (Scotland) Act became law, just one year after it was introduced into the Scottish Parliament. The UK Animal Welfare Act was enacted on 8 November 2006. Unlike the ancient UK animal protection legislation, the new Acts include a statutory duty to care for animals.
Scotland's Animal Health and Welfare Act and the UK Animal Welfare Act came into force in October and November respectively, updating animal welfare legislation of almost hundred years old.
The Acts further consolidate over 20 pieces of different legislation relating to animals into one framework.
Under the new Acts animal owners need to ensure that their animals' basic needs are fulfilled. Each species have different needs regarding housing, diet, exercise, and social needs but owners are expected to have proper husbandry knowledge and to take their responsibility seriously.
An important change is that Scottish SPCA inspectors and constables have been given extended powers including the possibility to seize animals that are suffering or in danger of suffering (preventive action).
Other anomalies banned under the new Act include giving of animals as prizes and buying of animals by children under the age of 16. Furthermore, (persistent) animal abusers will receive higher penalties under the new Act and current offences related to animal fighting are strengthened and amended.
A set of secondary legislation is planned that would tackle issues such as puppy farming and dealing, circuses and regulating sanctuaries.
Finally, there will be a ban on mutilations of animals, with certain specified exemptions.
Animals Count welcome most of the strengthened regulations; however, we had hoped that there would not be any exemptions on mutilations.
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