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Last Updated: Friday, 27 January 2006, 15:38 GMT
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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.



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    RELATED INTERNET LINKS
    Animal Welfare Bill
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