The new Act enables local authorities to intervene before an animal actually suffers as not only is it against the law to be cruel to an animal, but the Act makes owners and keepers responsible for ensuring that the welfare needs of their animals are met.

These include the need:

1. For a suitable environment (place to live)
2. For a suitable diet
3. To exhibit normal behaviour patterns
4. To be housed with, or apart from, other animals (if applicable)
5. To be protected from pain, injury, suffering and disease

The law also increases to 16 the minimum age at which a person can buy an animal and prohibits giving animals as prizes to unaccompanied children under this age.
 
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.

Local authorities are appointed as inspectors under the Animal Welfare Act and are provided with improved powers to respond to welfare concerns.

Cambridgeshire Trading Standards Service has responsibly for enforcing this legislation to prevent unnecessary suffering to farm animals and livestock and for legislation covering the welfare of animals being transported.

The welfare of companion animals is the responsibility of district councils and the RSPCA.

For more information click on the link at the right hand side of this page.