Animal welfare
Ill-treatment of dogs
Under the Animal Welfare Act 2006, a duty is placed on any person responsible for an animal to ensure its welfare by taking such reasonable steps to ensure the animals needs are met.
Needs include:
- A suitable environment
- A suitable diet
- The ability to exhibit normal behaviour patterns
- Being housed with or apart from other animals
- Protection from pain, suffering, injury and disease
The Animal Welfare Act 2006 contains the general laws relating to animal welfare. It is an offence to cause unnecessary suffering to any animal. Unlike previous legislation, the Act applies to all animals on common land. The Act contains a Duty of Care to animals - this means that anyone responsible for an animal must take reasonable steps to make sure the animal's needs are met. This means that a person has to look after an animal's welfare as well as ensure that it does not suffer and apply to all animals.
Anyone who is cruel to an animal, or does not provide for its welfare needs, may be banned from owning animals, fined up to £20,000 and/or sent to prison.
If you are concerned that a dog or any other animal is being ill-treated, then this matter should be referred to the RSPCA.
For general enquiries contact 0300 123 4555 (opening times are 9 - 5).
To report a case of cruelty contact 0300 123 4999 (this is a 24-hr line).
Visit the RSPCA website for more information.
Last updated Tuesday, 19th March 2019
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