Abu Dhabi: A draft law introducing changes in the UAE animal welfare laws was passed by the Federal National Council yesterday (Tuesday).
Under the new bill, which will be taken up at the next meeting of the House, animals must be kept in a safe place, be provided suitable facilities and necessary living conditions to accommodate them
The new rules stipulate that there must be a sufficient number of qualified employees who have the ability, knowledge and professional competence in matters related to animal welfare. Workers must check the condition of the animal at least once a day.
Under the new bill, appropriate care takes into consideration the animal’s species, environment and circumstances, such as its age and where it lives, and what steps a reasonable person would take in the circumstances.
Lack of proper care can cause neglect and animal suffering. An animal welfare inspector may visit to investigate whether you have breached your legal duty of care.
People in charge of an animal have a duty to take care of that animal and the duty of care is based on the internationally recognised ‘5 freedoms’ of animal welfare, according to the draft law.
These are freedom from hunger and thirst by access to fresh water and a diet to maintain full health and vigour; freedom from discomfort by providing an appropriate environment, including shelter and a comfortable resting area; freedom from pain, injury or disease by prevention or rapid diagnosis and treatment; freedom to express normal behaviour by providing sufficient space, proper facilities and company of the animal’s own kind, and freedom from fear and distress by ensuring conditions and treatment which avoid mental suffering.
Under the rules, which are to be implemented in keeping with GCC-wide animal welfare laws, these freedoms will be better provided for if those who have care of livestock practise: caring and responsible planning and management, skilled, knowledgeable and conscientious stockmanship, appropriate environmental design, considerate handling and transport, and humane slaughter
Violators of these rules will face a jail term of up to one year and fines of up to Dh200,000.
