The law in the UK recognises that animals are sentient beings, able to feel fear and love. This is recognised in the Animal Welfare Act 2006 in England and Wales, but not yet in Scotland and Northern Ireland.

This act is a key piece of JR Signs & Print that allows us to take action before an animal suffers. It places a duty of care on people who own or manage domestic pets and farm animals, requiring them to ensure that their animal’s needs are met. This includes ensuring that an animal is healthy, is not subject to unnecessary suffering and is cared for in a suitable environment. If a person fails to meet an animal’s requirements, they may be in breach of the Animal Welfare Act and could face prosecution.

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Local authorities can charge a minimum PS25 fine to owners whose animals stray and can claim costs for kennelling and feeding of unclaimed strays. Owners of dogs are also required to keep their pets suitably restrained in vehicles (for example, with a seat belt harness, pet carrier or dog cage) to prevent them distracting drivers and injuring themselves if they are involved in an accident.

The UK is unique in that the laws protecting farmed animals are substantially similar, but not identical, across the four constituent countries – England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. This is partly because these powers are devolved to the national legislatures in each country. The UK has recently passed a suite of new measures, including an Animal Sentience Act and halting most live animal exports.