Animal Welfare Bill welcomed

The Blue Cross welcomes new government measures to ensure that anyone responsible for an animal has a legal obligation to look after its welfare.

We eagerly await details of the Animal Welfare Bill’s new welfare offence, or duty of care, which will make every owner liable for their pets’ well being. The promised legislation should mean that enforcement bodies are able to intervene and protect pets from neglect or abuse at an earlier stage than the law previously allowed.

Steve Goody, Blue Cross director of companion animal welfare, said: “Much of the current legislation to protect pets is outdated and ineffective. A thorough review has been long overdue and although we are yet to see the detail of the government’s proposals, we are confident that these changes will make a difference to the lives of thousands of companion animals.”

We have been working alongside the government and other major animal welfare organisations in drawing up measures for inclusion in the Animal Welfare Bill. It will be the first comprehensive update of animal welfare legislation since the 1911 Protection of Animals Act.