This Act regulates the protection of animals from human acts or omissions that endanger or may endanger the health or welfare of animals. It defines animals and categories including farm animals, pet animals and experimental animals, and establishes general principles for their protection. The Act applies in conjunction with other legislation governing wildlife protection and animal health.
The Act sets out requirements for the keeping of animals, including obligations of animal keepers to ensure appropriate feeding, care, housing conditions and welfare. It establishes prohibited acts causing harm or suffering to animals and introduces specific provisions such as the prohibition on keeping animals for fur production. The Act also regulates stray animals, including their capture, care and, where necessary, euthanasia.
The Act provides rules on veterinary treatment and procedures, slaughter and killing of animals, and transport of animals. It establishes requirements for veterinary interventions, sets conditions for slaughter and euthanasia, and incorporates relevant European Union legislation on animal transport and slaughter. It also regulates animal competitions, exhibitions, trade and zoos, including licensing and operational requirements.
The Act contains detailed provisions on the use of experimental animals, including authorisation procedures, requirements for procedures, protection measures, and supervision. It also regulates genetically modified animals in experimental use. The Act establishes competent authorities, inspection and supervision mechanisms, and sets out offences and penalties for violations of its provisions.