Advice centre - A new law for animals

back to advice centre
 
 
The Animal Welfare Act is a new law that will provide much greater protection for animals.

The law came into force on 28 March 2007 in Wales and on 6 April 2007 in England.

The Animal Welfare Act includes a new 'welfare offence' - which put simply means that the owner of a pet is legally obliged to care for their pet properly, by providing:

Pet care - Know your pet a proper diet, including fresh water
Pet care - Know your pet somewhere suitable to live
Pet care - Know your pet for any need to be housed with or apart from, other animals
Pet care - Know your pet the ability to express normal behaviour
Pet care - Know your pet protection from and treatment of, illness and injury.
 
It is important to remember that most pet owners will not need to change the way they care for their animals to comply with the new law - most people already provide for their pet's needs.

The law is not designed to catch people out - only to help protect animals that do not receive proper care.

photo © Damion Diplock/RSPCA Photolibrary

Back to top
© RSPCA 2009. All rights reserved.
Terms of use
  A new law for animals
Find out about the new Animal Welfare Act and what it means for you as a pet owner here.
more
  An inspector calls
If an RSPCA inspector has called to see your animal(s) and has issued you with an assessment form or warning notice, find out what to do next.
more
  Know your pet
In 2007 the law relating to the welfare of pets will change. Get pet care tips and advice on what your pet needs.
more
  Find your local RSPCA
Your local RSPCA may offer help with vets bills, neutering and microchipping, as well as other advice and support. Find your nearest here.
more
  FAQs
Access all the answers to the most frequently asked animal welfare questions.
more
 
SEARCH
ABOUT THE RSPCA
ADVICE CENTRE
NEWS
CAMPAIGNS
GOOD BUSINESS AWARDS
ANIMAL CARE
REHOMING
HOW YOU CAN HELP
EDUCATION
SCIENCE GROUP
FREEDOM FOOD
LOCAL RSPCA
RSPCA INTERNATIONAL
PUBLICATIONS
CAREERS
UNDER 8TEENZ
Special initiatives
My RSPCA
Help
Legal
Privacy
Annual review
Contact us
Social networking
RSS
The RSPCA is a charity
registered in England & Wales
no. 219099