Revised Animal Welfare Bill set to be brought before Tynwald

The original Bill was thrown out after receiving nine votes in favour and 12 against

The Animal Welfare Bill is set to be put to Tynwald which will attempt to bring in what's being called 'failed attempts' from the previous administration.

Various items within the Bill will be asked for approval from the chamber including whether or not Tynwald believes animals are capable of experiencing pain or suffering.

Previous attempts to introduce the legislation failed due to 'lack of detail'.

The term 'animal' has been redefined to include invertebrates such as the likes of insects, arachnids and crustaceans to name but a few.

Alongside, on the basis of 'scientific evidence', the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture will seek approval from the chamber as to whether or not they believe animals are capable of experiencing pain or suffering.

A recent court ruling saw a 65-year-old sentenced for neglecting 19 horses and ponies, keeping them in what was described as conditions 'no animal should live in'.

Manx Radio's Simon Richardson spoke to the Island's Chief Veterinary Officer Amy Beckett and member for DEFA, MHK Michelle Haywood:

The original Animal Welfare Bill had been thrown out of Tynwald after only receiving nine votes in favour - but 12 against with the likes of MHKs Jason Moorhouse, Claire Christian and Clare Barber - who's now the current minister for DEFA - all rejecting it.

Speaking in June 2021, just after the original Bill had failed to get a second reading in the House of Keys, the ManxSPCA's General Manager Juana Warburton told Manx Radio it was embarrassing for the Island:

The Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture are set to host a presentation with the chief veterinary officer about the proposed Bill on Wednesday (31 August).