Farm animal welfare
The welfare
of all farmed animals (external link) is protected by the
Animal Welfare Act 2006 which makes it an offence to cause
unnecessary suffering to any animal.
The Act makes owners and keepers responsible for ensuring that
the welfare needs of their animals are met. These include the
need:
- for a suitable environment (place to live)
- for a suitable diet
- to exhibit normal behaviour patterns
- to be housed with, or apart from, other animals (if
applicable)
- to be protected from pain, injury, suffering and disease
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.
Specific National &
European Legislation (external link) information is
provided by DEFRA.