2. National and international legislation Flashcards
Why do we need legislation?
Prevent cruelty and indifference towards animals.
Task of the government to establish a framework of which animals are treated humanely.
Human responsibilities- duty of care.
Enforcement and prosecution.
The role of the veterinary profession- providing care and education
What were some of the first legislations passed?
“An act of plotting by the tayle, and the woole off living sheep” - 1635, Ireland
“Act to prevent the cruel and improper treatment of cattle” - 1822, British parliament
“Cruelty to Animals Act 1876“ - British parliament, national legislation regulating animal experiments
Which international legislations were passed in the 1900’s?
Uk Protection of Animals Act- 1911
Reich Animal Protection Act- 1933, Germany
The American Humane Slaughter Act- 1958
American Animal Welfare Act- 1966 (the beginning of the 5 freedoms, no set legislation however)
What events took place in the 1970’s?
1971- America excludes birds, mice and rats from the Animal Welfare Act
1974- The council of Europe passes a directive requiring that animals are to be unconscious before slaughter
1976- The European Convention for the Protection of Animals Kept for Farming Purposes, ensuring correct conditions are met, is passed
Which events took place in the 1990’s?
1992- Switzerland becomes the first country to include protections for animals in its constitution
1997- animals begin to be recognised as sentient beings- European Union’s protocol on animal protection
1998- The EU passes a directive reinforcing the 5 freedoms for animals in farming purposes
1999- EU passes directive banning controversial battery farming
In the 2000’s, which welfare issues were banned across the world?
2000-2009- fur farming in UK, Austria, Netherlands et al
2006- veal crates, EU
2009- Animal use in circuses, Bolivia
2012- Battery cages, EU
2013- Cosmetic testing, EU
2013- The Animals Scientific Procedures Act 1986, amended to include cephalopods
Which key welfare events took place in the 2000’s?
2015- New Zealand states animals are sentient beings
2018- “The Federal Dog and Cat Meat Trade Prohibition Act” signed into law in America
2019- California bans the sale and manufacture of fur
2020- Collaboration of animal rights and animal welfare organisations in France
What is Animal rights?
We should not invariably overrule animal interests for human interests.
We should not inflict pain or death on animals.
We should abolish animal use and always treat them humanely.
Using animals to benefit ourselves is morally wrong.
Eg- PETA
What is animal welfare?
We should invariably overrule animal interests for human interests.
We should not cause animals unnecessary pain or death.
We should make stronger animal protection laws and treat animals as humanely as convenient.
Using animals for our own benefit is morally right.
Eg- RSPCA, ASPCA
