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Public consulted on updating animal welfare laws

Tynwald committee considering updating legislation

Cats, dogs and horses are among the animals which could be given further protection from being harmed or mistreated.

Consultation on an animal welfare bill has been launched in an effort to bring the Isle of Man up to speed with regulations in the UK.

Manx laws do criminalise animal cruelty and seek to protect the welfare of farm livestock.

But a Tynwald committee has concluded companion animals here don't have adequate protection and is consulting on updating legislation.

As well as domestic pets the bill would also give mountain hares greater legal protections.

Environment, Food and Agriculture Minister Geoffrey Boot is encouraging people to make their views known.

He said: "The approach to applying UK animal welfare legislation to the Island would require significant public and political support." 

The consultation closes on 5 April - you can find it here.

 

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