Animal Welfare Act 2006

The main offences in which a person is charged and/or prosecuted for animal related offences are:

• Causing unnecessary suffering (Section 4): It is an offence to cause an animal physical or mental suffering that is unnecessary.
• Carrying out a non-exempted mutilation (Section 5): Prohibits the mutilation of a protected animal unless a procedure is specifically exempted by regulations.
• Docking the tail of a dog except where permitted (Section 6): Generally bans the docking of a dog’s tail, with limited exceptions for certified working dogs under five days old.
• Administering a poison to an animal (Section 7): Makes it an offence to administer a poisonous or injurious substance to a protected animal without lawful authority or reasonable excuse.
• Involvement in an animal fight (Section 8): Creates specific offences relating to animal fights, including causing, attempting to cause, or being present at a fight.
• Breach of duty of person responsible for animal to ensure welfare (Section 9): Places a duty on those responsible for animals to take reasonable steps to meet the animal’s needs, such as a suitable environment, diet, and protection from pain, suffering, injury, and disease.