Ill treatment, neglect, or cruelty to animals is against the law. If you believe an animal is suffering cruelty or neglect, then report your concerns about:
- Cruelty to domestic and companion animals, contact the RSPCA.
Telephone: 0300 1234 999. - Cruelty to farmed animals, contact the Animal and plant health agency (APHA).
Telephone: 0113 2796 121.
For advice on farmed animal welfare, contact Environmental Health.
Anyone who owns or is in charge of any animal, has a duty under the Animal welfare act 2006 not to cause any unnecessary suffering to the animal by their act or failure.
A person is committing an offence if they fail to take reasonable steps to ensure that the needs of an animal, for which they are responsible, are met.
For the purposes of the Animal Welfare Act 2006, an animal's needs include:
- A suitable environment.
- A suitable diet.
- To be able to exhibit normal behaviour patterns.
- Any need it has to be housed with or apart from other animals.
- To be protected from pain, suffering, injury and disease.