Penalty notices to be introduced for kept animal offences
Owners who keep their animals in a poor living environment could receive a penalty notice from 1 January 2024.
Fixed penalty notices (FPNs) are set to be introduced for kept animal health and welfare offences in England from 1 January 2024.
Owners will face fines of up to £5000 for offences including keeping animals in a poor living environment, overdue TB testing, and keeping a dangerous wild animal without a licence.
The measure is designed as an additional enforcement tool for authorities to use to protect kept animals. Paying an FPN is not considered an admission of guilt and does not result in a criminal record.
Where possible, authorities will still try to offer advice and guidance to improve animal welfare before issuing an FPN, and when a case requires it, owners will still be prosecuted.
Robbie Douglas-Miller, biosecurity, animal health and welfare minister, said: “All keepers have a duty of care to protect their animals from harm, as well as adhering to biosecurity rules to protect our nation from devastating diseases.
“I know the majority of animal owners recognise the importance of these rules, but it is vital that tough enforcement steps are taken when those rules are broken.
“I welcome penalty notices as an additional tool for our partners to use to encourage compliance with the law.”
Earlier this year, the Government held a public consultation on the use of FPNs for animal welfare and biosecurity. More than 85 per cent of 129 respondents supported their introduction as an enforcement tool.
The RSPCA, which was among the organisations that took part in the consultation, has welcomed the introduction of FPNs.
Lee Gingell, RSPCA public affairs manager for local government, said: “The RSPCA believes fixed penalty notices can be a valuable tool for policing administrative and technical offences related to animals - where welfare isn't seriously compromised, or in situations where firmer enforcement is not required.
“While stronger enforcement action is needed when more serious animal welfare offences occur, the RSPCA welcomes steps that broaden the toolkit of local authorities to promote best practice and protect animals within their communities.
“It's encouraging to hear that the UK Government will now issue thorough guidance and work with local authorities on these changes - as ensuring councils are well equipped and competent in the use of these new FPN powers will be key in ensuring they are effective and improve animal welfare.”
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