Animal Welfare Laws
New Animal Welfare Laws - now it's your duty to care
When did the new law come into effect?

From 27 March 2007 animal welfare law in Wales is being improved.  Not only is it still against the law to be cruel to an animal, you must now ensure that animals' welfare needs are met.  Do you know how the law applies to you?  You may need to find out.

 
What does the new law do?

Makes owners responsible for ensuring that their animal's welfare needs 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, suffering, injury and disease
Anyone who is cruel to an animal or does not provide for its welfare needs may bebanned from owning animals, fined up to £20,000 and/or sent to prison.

 
It increases the minimum age of buying an animal to 16 and prohibits giving animals as prizes to unaccompanied children under this age.

 
Where can I find out more?

Phone:  029 2082 3477

Visit:  www.wales.gov.uk/animalwelfare

Email:  animalwelfarereact@wales.gsi.gov.uk