Animal Welfare Act 2006

Question 1

List the 5 welfare needs set out under this piece if legislation.

Answer 1

1. The need for a suitable environment.
2. The need for a suitable diet.
3. The need to be able to exhibit normal behaviour patterns.
4. The need to be housed with or apart from other animals.
5. The need to be protected from pain, suffering, injury and disease.

Question 2

Which animals are protected under this act?

Answer 2

Vertebrates (NOT humans)
Invertebrates (NOT covered)
Wild animals (NOT covered)

Question 3

Who does this act apply to?

Answer 3

Anyone over the age of 16, who keeps and is responsible for an animal.
If an animal has passed onto another person (permanently or temporarily) both are responsible for the animal.

Question 4

What is considered as ‘unnecessary suffering’?

Answer 4

1. If the suffering could have been avoided
2. Codes of practice not followed
3. Not caused for a legitimate purpose.

Question 5

What would be considered an offence (unnecessary suffering)?

Answer 5

1. If an animal they’re reliable for suffers.
2. Any suffering caused is unnecessary
3. Failure to take appropriate steps to prevent suffering.