Animal Welfare Bill

AIM

This bill would update and bring together the laws on animal cruelty, excluding animals used in scientific research.

MAIN PROVISIONS

BILL'S PROGRESS Responsible department: Defra Origin: House of Commons Introduced: 13 Oct 2005 Second reading: 10 Jan 2006 Committee stage: 16, 18, 24 & 26 Jan 2006 Remaining stages: 14 March 2006 LORDS: First reading: 15 March 2006 Second reading: 18 April 2006 Committee stage: 19 & 23 May 2006, 13 & 14 June 2006 Report stage: 19 & 20 October 2006 Third reading: 24 October 2006 ROYAL ASSENT: 8 November 2006

Imposes on animal owners and those responsible for animals a duty of care ensuring their animals' welfare

Gives extra powers to those involved in animal welfare inspection activities and extends the range of sentences available to the courts

Updates the laws regarding animal sanctuaries, dog & cat kennels, pet shops, performing animals and riding stables.

Prohibits the giving of pets as prizes and the selling of pets to children

KEY VOTES

14 March 2006
Commons Report stage

Tail docking ban
Ayes: 476, Noes: 63

BACKGROUND

The government has been planning animal welfare legislation for some time now, and a draft Animal Welfare Bill was published in July 2004.