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Interesting and sad topic Kenny, sometimes hoarding might be not much. It can be like 20 dogs in small flat or even 5 when owner is struggling to take care of them.
In terms of law in UK I found this, a bit different than in USA and more detailed.
What actually got my attention is that the dog need companionship- wonder if they only mean human companionship or also own kind….
Animal Welfare Acts
The Animal Welfare Acts cover most aspects of animal welfare, but most importantly:
- Your dog’s welfare needs: We all want to look after our pets and make sure they are happy and healthy. The Animal Welfare Acts put this into law to help ensure all owners meet their pets’ 5 Welfare Needs for environment, diet, behaviour, companionship and health. Dogs must have all these things so they can have the best possible life. Failing to provide for them will mean your dog’s wellbeing could suffer. In extreme cases, if a dog’s needs aren’t met, this would count as neglect and could lead to prosecution for animal cruelty.
- Cruelty: It is an offence under the Acts to cause an animal unnecessary suffering. This includes both cruelty, such as deliberately hurting an animal, and neglect, where someone doesn’t take action to prevent suffering — for example, not meeting a pet’s Welfare Needs. The Acts also lays out specific laws about mutilations and cruel operations (prohibited surgeries such as ear cropping), tail docking, dog fighting and poisoning. Anyone who lets their dog suffer can be prosecuted and face a criminal conviction, potentially facing prison time fines or a ban from keeping animals.
In 2019, legislation known as Finn’s Law was introduced preventing those who attack or injure service animals from claiming self-defence…
From 29 June 2021, Finn’s Law Part 2 will see the maximum prison sentence for animal cruelty will be raised from six months to five years and an unlimited fine.
If you suspect cases of animal neglect or cruelty should, they should be reported to RSPCA (England and Wales), SSPCA (Scotland) or USPCA (Northern Ireland).
Laws:
- Animal Welfare Act 2006 in England and Wales (this includes The Animal Welfare (Sentencing) Bill and The Animal Welfare (Service Animals) Bill)
- Animal Health and Welfare (Scotland) Act 2006 in Scotland
- Welfare of Animals Act (Northern Ireland) 2011 in Northern Ireland.
