Historically, animal law has been a piecemeal legislative process of
amendments and repeals. The slow progress of the legislation has finally
resulted in the introduction of the two main criminal statutes affecting
animals in the UK, the Animal Welfare Act 2006 and the Dangerous Dogs
Act 1991. These two statutes account for almost all offenses of animal
abuse in every conceivable form relating to the duty of owners and their
concurrent liability and responsibility. A Practical Approach to Animal
Welfare Law-designed to be informative and interesting to a broad, lay
audience-covers all aspects of those two Acts as they affect animals.
This book analyzes the law relating to the criminal responsibility of
owners and their duty of care for the welfare of their animals,
including injuring and killing them. The prosecution of offenders in the
UK is investigated through the enforcement powers of the inspectors, and
the consequent sentencing by the courts. In doing, this book deals with
all manner of animal abuse, as well as dangerous dogs and dangerous
people. This book is an essential reference source for those whose work
involves animal law in the UK-including academics, legal practitioners,
local authorities, and the police. Equally, it will be a valuable source
for those working in animal-related areas such as breeding, exhibitions,
and the rights and welfare of animals by charitable organizations and
sanctuaries. A Practical Approach to Animal Welfare Law concludes with
an analysis of the role and status of animals in English Law. There is a
unique discussion on reform and the future of animal welfare and animal
rights. That analysis applies to many jurisdictions on a national and
international level, particularly in relation to common law countries.
This is no staid law book. The warmth and compassion of the author
shines through the text, as he engages the reader in this difficult
subject through case reports, stories, examples, analyses, and
discussion. The author has created an exceedingly useful, insightful and
interesting resource for a broad range of animal experts, workers and
owners. [Subject: Animal Welfare Law, Public Law, Public Policy]
