Consequences
This activity helps young people understand the consequences of breaking the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and the Animal Welfare Act 2006. It encourages them to think about how their actions and attitudes towards animals can have an impact.
Instructions
- 1 Introduce the laws – Explain the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and the Animal Welfare Act 2006, highlighting what they protect and why they’re important.
- 2 Discuss legal consequences – Talk about the legal consequences of breaking these laws, such as fines or even imprisonment.
- 3 Recognise protected animals – Ask the young person if they can think of any animals that are protected by these laws.
- 4 Explore personal consequences – Shift the conversation to think about other consequences, not just legal ones. Can they think of how their actions might affect their friendships or how others see them?
- 5 Encourage reflection – Ask the young person to think about how their attitudes and actions towards animals might impact their personal life and relationships.
Answers to worksheet
What is the Animal Welfare Act 2006?
The Animal Welfare Act 2006 protects animals, from pets to farm animals. It includes:
- Duty of Care: As an animal owner, you must provide an animal with their five needs (correct diet, suitable environment, opportunities to express behaviour, the right company, and appropriate health care).
- Animal Cruelty Offences: It’s against the law to harm an animal or fail to meet their basic needs.
- Prevention of Harm: If animals are at risk, organisations like the RSPCA, local councils, or the police can intervene.
What animals are protected by the Animal Welfare Act 2006?
Animals with a backbone which are under our control, such as pets we might own or look after (e.g. dogs, cats rabbits and goldfish), or a wild animal that has been caught.
What are the consequences for breaking the Animal Welfare Act 2006?
If you break this law,you can be sentenced to up to 5 years imprisonment, a community order and/or a fine.
You could also be given a disqualification order. This means that you will not be allowed to have pets or look after animals, this sentence can be as long as the rest of your life!
What is the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981?
Wild animals are protected from harm in the UK by various laws. One of the key pieces of legislation is the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.
What animals are protected by the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981?
All wild birds, Adders, Badgers, Bats, Beetles, Butterflies, Frogs,Grasshoppers, Lizards, Moles, Newts, Snails, Snakes, Squirrels,Toads, Turtles and more! See the list: https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1981/69/schedule/5
What are the consequences for breaking the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981??
If you break this law, you can be sentenced to six months' imprisonment or to a fine or both. Some sections of this law would mean 6 years imprisonment, a fine, or both.
Can you think of any other consequences there might be if you hurt an animal? These don’t have to relate to the law.
- Pet ownership – You might be stopped from owning pets.
- Friendships – if your friends know you have hurt an animal, they may see you differently.
- Community – If the community found out you had hurt an animal, it is likely they would be upset with you. It's important to think about how your actions can make others feel
- Feelings – Sometimes we need support with our emotions, but hurting an animal might make you feel worse afterwards.
- Relationship with your pet – If you hurt an animal, they might not respond to you in the same way and could become afraid of you.