A Practical Approach to Animal Welfare Law

Historically, animal law has been a piecemeal legislative process of amendments and repeals. The slow progress of the legislation has finally resulted in the introduction of the two main criminal statutes affecting animals in the UK, the Animal Welfare Act 2006 and the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991. These two statutes account for almost all offenses of animal abuse in every conceivable form relating to the duty of owners and their concurrent liability and responsibility. A Practical Approach to Animal Welfare Law-designed to be informative and interesting to a broad, lay audience-covers all aspects of those two Acts as they affect animals. This book analyzes the law relating to the criminal responsibility of owners and their duty of care for the welfare of their animals, including injuring and killing them. The prosecution of offenders in the UK is investigated through the enforcement powers of the inspectors, and the consequent sentencing by the courts. In doing, this book deals with all manner of animal abuse, as well as dangerous dogs and dangerous people. This book is an essential reference source for those whose work involves animal law in the UK-including academics, legal practitioners, local authorities, and the police. Equally, it will be a valuable source for those working in animal-related areas such as breeding, exhibitions, and the rights and welfare of animals by charitable organizations and sanctuaries. A Practical Approach to Animal Welfare Law concludes with an analysis of the role and status of animals in English Law. There is a unique discussion on reform and the future of animal welfare and animal rights. That analysis applies to many jurisdictions on a national and international level, particularly in relation to common law countries. This is no staid law book. The warmth and compassion of the author shines through the text, as he engages the reader in this difficult subject through case reports, stories, examples, analyses, and discussion. The author has created an exceedingly useful, insightful and interesting resource for a broad range of animal experts, workers and owners. [Subject: Animal Welfare Law, Public Law, Public Policy]