The effect of the Bill is to improve animal welfare by bringing together and modernising most legislation concerning the welfare of animals under the control of man (excluding the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986, which remains the responsibility of the Home Office). The Bill would:
Reduce animal suffering by enabling preventive action to be taken before suffering occurs.
Improve animal welfare by introducing a duty on those responsible for animals to do all that is reasonable to ensure the welfare of their animals (for the first time for non-farmed animals).
Simplify animal welfare legislation for enforcers and animal keepers by consolidating more than 20 pieces of legislation into one.
Deter persistent offenders by strengthening penalties and eliminating loopholes in the current system.
