Overview

The Animal Welfare (Kept Animals) Bill aims to improve the welfare of certain kept animals in Great Britain. Key areas covered include stricter regulations on keeping primates, measures to prevent dogs from attacking livestock, restrictions on livestock exports for slaughter, and changes to the importation of dogs, cats, and ferrets.

Description

Primates

The bill introduces a licensing requirement for keeping primates, setting standards for their care and management. Licenses will be granted by local authorities following veterinary inspections and will be subject to conditions and regular inspections. Unlicensed keeping of primates is an offense, with potential penalties including fines, forfeiture of the primate, or even euthanasia. The bill also restricts the sale and breeding of primates to licensed individuals.

Dogs Attacking Livestock

The bill aims to tackle the issue of dogs attacking or worrying livestock by introducing new offenses and powers. This includes the power for constables to seize and detain dogs suspected of such attacks, to take samples, and to obtain warrants to enter and search premises. Upon conviction, various orders can be imposed, including control orders, destruction orders, and disqualification orders preventing individuals from owning or keeping dogs.

Livestock Exports

The bill prohibits the export of certain livestock (cattle, horses, sheep, goats, and pigs) from Great Britain for slaughter. This aims to enhance animal welfare standards during transport and prevent the export of animals destined for inhumane slaughter practices.

Other Kept Animals

The bill includes provisions concerning the taking of dogs without lawful authority (with potential jail time as a punishment), reducing the number of pets allowed in non-commercial movement into the UK, and enhancing regulations regarding the importation of dogs, cats, and ferrets, including age, mutilation, and pregnancy restrictions. It also makes amendments to the Zoo Licensing Act 1981, strengthening standards and increasing penalties for offenses.

Government Spending

The bill's impact on government spending is not explicitly stated in the provided text. The implementation will likely involve costs associated with licensing, inspections, enforcement, and potential compensation schemes, but no figures are provided.

Groups Affected

• Primate owners: Will need to obtain licenses and meet new standards of care, facing penalties for non-compliance.
• Dog owners: Those whose dogs attack or worry livestock face potential fines, control orders, destruction of their dog, and disqualification from dog ownership.
• Livestock farmers: Will benefit from increased protection of their livestock from dog attacks.
• Livestock exporters: Will be significantly impacted by the export ban.
• Importers of dogs, cats, and ferrets: Will be subject to new regulations regarding the importation of these animals.
• Zoos: Will need to comply with amended regulations under the Zoo Licensing Act 1981.
• Local authorities: Will be responsible for enforcing the new regulations and may face increased administrative burdens.

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