Under the Animal Welfare Act 2006 a pet owner has a legal duty to ensure the welfare of his animal(s). A pet’s welfare needs include:
o A proper diet
o Somewhere suitable to live
o Any need to be housed with, or apart from, other animals
o Allowing animals to express normal behaviour
o Protection from pain, suffering, injury and disease
The penalty for failing to care for a pet could be a fine or even a prison sentence.
For more information about dangerous dogs protocol and the law on tail docking please read the factsheets below:
