Animal Welfare Bill: Views sought on guidance for pet owners

Sun, 24 Sep 2023

Views are being sought on proposed guidance for pet owners ahead of the strengthening of animal welfare laws on the Isle of Man this autumn.

The Animal Welfare Bill 2022 will boost protection for domestic and kept animals and increase penalties for those found guilty of animal cruelty.

In preparation, a six week consultation has been launched to gather views on draft animal welfare codes that offer practical help to keepers of cats, dogs, horses and rabbits.

The codes reflect the latest scientific and veterinary knowledge and aim to help people to comply with the incoming legislation. Whilst not prescriptive, they do provide a summary of important things to consider when looking after animals.

Amy Beckett, the Isle of Man Government’s Chief Veterinary Officer, said: ‘The Codes cover a range of important information, so people can make sensible decisions and provide the best care possible for their animals. This includes things like their living environment, diet and ways to protect them from pain, injury and disease.’

The feedback received will be used to inform the finalised codes that will come into effect when the Animal Welfare Bill receives Royal Assent.

Dr Michelle Haywood MHK, Political member for the Environment, said: ‘Domestic animals play an important part in many of our lives, so these codes have a significant role to play and we welcome all views on them through the consultation ’

The new animal welfare laws will apply to everyone who owns or cares for pets or livestock on the Isle of Man and introduce provision to prosecute those who breach their duty of care with increased fines and sentences.

Care improvement notices, which could be served to give animal owners the chance to make changes before further action is taken, will also be introduced – along with a register to track those issued with one, those disqualified from keeping animals and a place to log details of animal welfare complaints.

The consultation will run until 2 November.

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