Animal Welfare Act 2006
The Animal Welfare Act 2006 is an act of the Parliament of the United Kingdom.
Overview
It is the first signing of pet law since the Protection of Animals Act 1911, which it largely replaced. It also superseded and consolidated more than 20 other pieces of legislation, such as the Protection of Animals Act 1934 and the Abandonment of Animals Act 1960. The act introduced the new welfare offence.This means that animal owners have a positive duty of care. The act outlaws owners neglecting to provide for the basic needs of their animals, including access to adequate nutrition and veterinary care.
It outlaws tail docking of dogs for cosmetic reasons, with an exemption for "working" dogs, such as those used by the police, the armed forces or as service dogs.
The act also has an offence to remove the scent glands of skunks kept as pets.
Commencement
The following commencement orders have been made for this act:- Animal Welfare Act 2006 Order 2007
- Animal Welfare Act 2006 Order 2007
- Animal Welfare Act 2006 Order 2007
- Animal Welfare Act 2006 Order 2007
- Animal Welfare Act 2006 Order 2007