Section 9 of the Animal Welfare Act 2006 makes owners and keepers legally responsible for making sure that the welfare needs of their animals are met. Failure to comply with the act may result in criminal prosecution leading to a fine of up to £5,000 or imprisonment.*
You should make sure that you are aware of the Animal Welfare Act and keep up to date with any changes made to the act as it develops.
The basic requirements of the act are to ensure that livestock:
- have a suitable place to live a suitable diet
- have a suitable diet
and are
- able to exhibit normal behaviour patterns
- used either with, or apart from, other animals as applicable
- protected from pain, injury, suffering and disease.
* Correct at time of publication.
