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Have your say on new 'codes of conduct' for pet owners

Government to issue guidance on how to care for dogs, cats, horses and rabbits

People are being invited to have their say on new codes of conduct for pet owners.

The Animal Welfare Bill 2022 is set to be introduced later this year– ahead of that government is asking for opinions on the guidance it wants to issue the keepers of cats, dogs, horses and rabbits.

The codes reflect scientific and veterinary knowledge and cover areas such as diet, living environment and protection from pain, injury and disease.

Feedback, gathered as part of a six-week consultation, will be used to inform the finalised codes that will come into effect when the bill receives Royal Assent.

It will apply to everyone who owns or cares for pets or livestock and will introduce provision to prosecute those who breach their duty of care with increased fines and sentences.

MHK Michelle Haywood has political responsibility for the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture:

The consultation will run until 2 November – you can find a link to it HERE.

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