Animal Welfare Act 2006

This Bill was not mentioned in the Queen’s speech, but appeared in the background notes.

The Bill was first published in draft form in July 2004 when it was scrutinised by the environment, food and rural affairs select committee. Many of the committee’s recommendations have been incorporated into the Bill.

A number of preventative measures will be put in place, such as placing a duty of care on those responsible for animals.

The Bill will also extend current legislation beyond the current agricultural context to animals in all man’s care.

The Bill aims to simplify animal welfare controls for enforcers and animal keepers by bringing together more than 20 pieces of legislation.

Extent of the Bill

This Bill applies to England & Wales. Sections of the Bill also apply to Scotland and Northern Ireland.

House of Commons

First reading: October 13 2005 (HC Bill 58)

Second reading: January 10 2006

Standing Committee A

• 1st sitting: January 17 2006 (am)
• 2nd sitting: January 17 2006 (pm)
• 3rd sitting: January 19 2006 (am)
• 4th sitting: January 19 2006 (pm)
• 5th sitting: January 24 2006 (am)
• 6th sitting: January 24 2006 (pm)
• 7th sitting: January 26 2006 (am)
• 8th sitting: January 26 2006 (pm) [HC Bill 117]

Remaining stages: March 14 2006

House of Lords

First reading: March 15 2006 [HL Bill 88]

Second reading: April 18 2006

 

Grand committee:

• 1st day: May 23 2006
• 2nd day: May 24 2006
• 3rd day: June 14 2006
• Bill as amended: HL Bill 126

Report stage: October 23 2006 

Bill as amended: HL Bill 156

 

Third reading: November 1 2006

 

House of Commons

 

Consideration of Lords amendments: November 6 2006

 

House of Lords

 

Royal Assent: November 8 2006