These Regulations specify the procedures of animal mutilation to which the offences in section 5(1) and 5(2) of the Animal Welfare Act do not apply. That section makes it an offence to carry out, or to cause or, in specified circumstances, permit another person to carry out, a prohibited procedure on a protected animal. A prohibited procedure is one which involves interference with the sensitive tissues or bone structure of the animal, otherwise than for the purpose of its medical treatment. Schedules 2 to 9 of these Regulations apply restrictions to the carrying out of the procedure such as specifying a required age for the animal, or requiring the administration of an anaesthetic.
United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland · 2007-03-30