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There is a wide range of legislation in the UK designed to protect the welfare of both domesticated and wild animals.

Animal welfare legislation is enforced jointly by the local authority and the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), in association with other government bodies and independent organisations like the RSPCA.

Report animal welfare concerns

The RSPCA is the best authority in the UK to investigate welfare concerns, care for unwell animals and rehabilitate, rehome or release if necessary.

Report cruelty or an animal in distress to the RSPCA online or call 0300 1234 999.

Livestock and farm animals

We play a role in policing the livestock industry in the area - which includes monitoring the disease and welfare on farms and smallholdings (including pet livestock such as goats and chickens) and of animals in transit.

Animal welfare legislation is enforced jointly by us and Defra. This is enforced in association with other government bodies and independent organisations like the RSPCA.

Contact us if you have concerns about the welfare of livestock.

The government has online guidance regarding the keeping of livestock.

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