The duty of care
This new law is extremely strong in its aim to protect animals, particularly those that depend on us for their well-being. The Ordinance imposes a legal duty of care on the owner or keeper of an animal, and creates an offence if that person fails, without reasonable excuse, to meet the standards expected.
Such animals must be
These are legal duties, which must feature in a person's care of an animal. The Ordinance goes on to spell out some of the practical measures that must be present in meeting these standards, such as providing food and fresh water, suitable shelter and a space to lie down in comfort, and importantly, the opportunity to express normal behaviour patterns.
The Commerce and Employment Department has produced codes and guidance for the welfare of animals, and if a person fails to take heed of these, this could also be taken into account in any prosecution. This link will take you to the Commerce and Employment web page that publishes these codes and guidance.
Such animals must be
- free from thirst, hunger and malnutrition
- free from discomfort
- free from pain, injury and disease
- free from fear and distress
- free to express normal behaviour patterns
These are legal duties, which must feature in a person's care of an animal. The Ordinance goes on to spell out some of the practical measures that must be present in meeting these standards, such as providing food and fresh water, suitable shelter and a space to lie down in comfort, and importantly, the opportunity to express normal behaviour patterns.
The Commerce and Employment Department has produced codes and guidance for the welfare of animals, and if a person fails to take heed of these, this could also be taken into account in any prosecution. This link will take you to the Commerce and Employment web page that publishes these codes and guidance.