If you own an animal you have a duty of care, under the Animal Welfare Act, to make sure you care for it properly.
In particular you must provide for the five welfare needs of the animal which include the need:
- for a suitable environment
- for a suitable diet
- to exhibit normal behaviour patterns
- to be housed with, or apart from, other animals
- to be protected from pain, suffering, injury and disease
Anyone who is cruel to an animal, or does not provide for its welfare needs, may be banned from owning animals, fined up to £20,000 and/or sent to prison.
Reporting an animal welfare concern
If you know, or suspect, that an animal is being mistreated or isn't being cared for properly, you can tell us about it using our online form below.
Please tell us where the mistreated animal is being kept and as much detail as you can about the animal's condition and the state of its surroundings.
You can find more advice on the legislation and codes of practice designed to protect the welfare of animals on the GOV.UK website:
- pets and domestic animal welfare legislation
- farm animal welfare legislation (in transport, at markets and at slaughter)