As of 6 April 2007, the Animal Welfare Act 2006 came into force and overhauled the pet abuse laws in England and Wales for the first time in 94 years. It will bring in tougher penalties for neglect and cruelty including fines of up to £20,000, a maximum jail term of 51 weeks and a lifetime ban on some owners keeping pets.
The new legislation introduces a welfare offence for the first time and enforcers such as the RSPCA will be given more powers to intervene where they suspect a pet is being neglected. The new welfare offence is a ‘duty of care’ on pet owners to provide for their animal’s basic needs such as adequate food and water, veterinary treatment and an appropriate environment in which to live. RSPCA Inspectors will now be able to act more readily in cases of neglect, mistreatment and cruelty.
The complete act can be downloaded as a PDF here are the associated explanatory notes.
* Beware some may find these Distressing *
Disturbing as it is, not only are we victims of domestic violence but beloved pets are too. We feel people need to know what goes on out there and that pets are also victims of domestic violence.
