 |
 |
 |
 
|
Momentous day for Equine WelfareRedwings Horse Sanctuary is delighted at the news that the Animal Welfare Bill has passed into law this week for England and Wales.The Bill finished its last stage in Parliament on Monday and after being given Royal Assent by the Queen on Wednesday November 8th, the new Animal Welfare Act will come into operation on April 6 2007 across England and at a date to be confirmed in Wales. An almost identical bill has recently passed into law in Scotland. As a leading equine welfare organisation Redwings participated actively in the consultation process and we are very pleased at the news. There is now a legal obligation for the owner or keeper of any animal to provide for its welfare and the law should allow neglect and cruelty to be dealt with in proportion to the severity of the offence. Greater emphasis is therefore placed on owners and keepers to understand their responsibilities and take all reasonable steps to provide for the needs of their animals. “This is a momentous day for everyone working in the field of animal welfare," said Redwings Senior Welfare Vet Nicolas De Brauwere. "The new Act replaces a series of laws governing animal welfare, the main one having been set in place back in 1911. Our hands were often tied so that we were not able to act to prevent suffering. "Until the new law is tested we will not know exactly how much better it will be than the current legislation. However, a particular strength of the new law is the ability to create enforceable codes that set out the standards of care expected of owners and keepers. This secondary legislation will only happen in coming years after proper consultation. "We are hopeful that equines across England and Wales will be better served by the law in future." For more information about the Animal Welfare Act, visit the Welfare pages of this site or telephone the Redwings Welfare helpline on 01508 481008.
| 
    |
