14/10/2005

Animal welfare bill published

New measures to protect animals from cruel treatment have been published by the government.

The Animal Welfare Bill, the first overhaul of such legislation for nearly a century, will see the introduction of tougher penalties for animal cruelty. Those found guilty of causing unnecessary suffering to animals will face almost a year in prison and fines of up to £20,000.

The new Bill, which applies to England and Wales, aims to simplify and strengthen animal welfare legislation by bringing more than 20 pieces of legislation into one.

The Bill will introduce a duty on those responsible for animals to do “all that is reasonable” to ensure the welfare of their animals. This includes: the provision of a suitable environment; a suitable diet; and freedom from pain, suffering, injury and disease.

The minimum age at which a child can buy an animal will be raised from 12 to 16 under the legislation and unaccompanied children under 16 will be prohibited from receiving pets as prizes.

Animal Welfare Minister Ben Bradshaw said: “This is a much more appropriate way to ensure an animal an animal’s welfare than relying on a 94-year-old law that was only designed to prevent outright cruelty.

“The majority of pet owners and others involved with the care of animals have nothing to fear from this legislation. The Bill is aimed at those few who do not properly fulfil their responsibilities for the animals in their charge.”

(KMcA/SP)

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