Animal Care L2 Legislations

The Veterinary Surgeons Act (1966)

Only a qualified vet registered with the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons can perform veterinary surgery acts.

The Animal Welfare (Licensing of Activities Involving Animals) (England) Regulations (2018)

Protects animals involved in businesses by requiring licenses and proper record keeping.

The Welfare of Animals (Slaughter and Killing) Regulations (1999)

Ensures equipment involved in stunning/killing animals is effective enough to avoid unnecessary suffering.

Welfare of Animals (Tranport) Order (2006)

It's illegal to transport an animal in a way that is likely to cause serious injury or harm.

The Animal Welfare Act (2006)

Covers vertebrates and Crustaceans. 5 Welfare needs need to be met to take care of an animal

5 Welfare Needs

Need to be protected from pain, suffering and disease.

Need for suitable diet.

Need for suitable environment

Need to be housed with or without other animals.

Need to exhibit natural behaviours.

Health and Safety at Work Act (1974) (HASAW)

Primary Legislation covering occupational health and safety. (Provide fire/first aid training, keep workplace safe, clear signs and instructions)

Environmental Protection Act (1990) (EPA)

Makes provisions for the improved control of pollution in the air, water and land by regulating waste management and controlling emissions. (Dispose of and store waste safely/correctly)

Personal Protection Equipment Regulations (1992) (PPE)

Places a duty on every employer in Great Britain to ensure suitable PPE is provided to employees who may be exposed to a potential health and safety risk. (PPE as last resort, provide and train on usage)

Provisions and Use of Work Equipment Regulations (1998) (PUWER)

Requires equipment provided for use be suitable and well maintained/inspected. (Clear info/training)

Management of health and safety at work regulations (1999)

An employer must identify the risks that anyone entering the workplace may face and take steps to mitigate those risks through a formal risk assessment.

Manual Handling Operations Regulations (1992)

Requires employers to minimise the risk of injury from carrying or supporting loads. (Training, support equipment, avoidance)

Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) (2002)

Protects workers and others from hazardous substances. (Risk assessments, training, controlled exposure, emergency plans.)

Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order (2005)

Framework for fire safety in all non-domestic premises. (Training, risk assessments, equipment)

Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations (RIDDOR) (2013)

Requires employers/persons in charge to report and keep record of work-related incidents. (Accident book)

Employee Rights

Safe working environment, training, rest periods/breaks, minimum and living wage, holidays and sick days, contract of payment.

Employee Responsibilities

Employees should take care of their own health and safety, co-operate with employer, not interfere with or misuse equipment, follow lines of accident reporting, follow instructions (e.g. use PPE) and help others/share good practices

The Dangerous Dogs Act (1991)

Prohibits and restricts certain types of dogs and makes it an offence to have a dog dangerously out of control.

The Welfare of Farmed Animals Regulations (2007)

Expands on the AWA for farmed animals that often suffer poorer conditions.