The law relating to the welfare of pets means that anyone who is responsible for a pet will have a legal responsibility to meet the five basic welfare needs of pets. They must do what is reasonable in order to provide the following:

1) a proper diet, including fresh water
2) somewhere suitable to live
3) any need to be housed with or apart from, other animals
4) allowing animals to express normal behaviour
5) protection from and treatment of, illness and injury

One aspect of the Act is regarding the ban on the docking of dogs' tails. There is an exemption for working dogs, which are defined as Spaniel, Terrier and Hunt, Point and Retrieve types, or any combination of types that will be used to work.

The Act also bans legally docked working dogs and dogs docked legally overseas who were born after April 6th, from being shown at events where the public pays to enter.

The Animal Welfare Act came into force in Wales on 27th March 2007 and in England on 6th April 2007. The Scottish Animal Welfare Act becomes law on 30th April 2007.

The Act means there is a brighter future for neglected pets and other animals.

Anyone who is cruel to an animal or does not provide for its welfare needs may be banned from owning animals, fined up to £20,000 and/or sent to prison.

For more details please visit DEFRA