Pet animals
We have the authority under the Animal Welfare Act 2006 to investigate complaints about poor animal care or cruelty. Anyone responsible for an animal must take reasonable steps to ensure its welfare needs are met.
The 2006 Act states that these needs include:
- Need for a suitable environment
- Need for a suitable diet
- Need to be able to exhibit normal behaviour patterns.
- Any need to be housed with, or apart from, other animals.
- Need to be protected from pain, suffering, injury and disease.
We can investigate complaints where animals are not being properly cared for. When reporting concerns, please provide as much detail as possible, please include photographs or videos, if available.
*We can take anonymous complaints in relation to animal welfare, but it may affect the action we can take when investigating your complaint.