Explanatory Memorandum

Welfare of Animals Act (Northern Ireland) 2011

2011 CHAPTER 16

29 March 2011

Commentary on Sections

Part 1 - Introductory

Section 3 – Responsibility for animals

While the owner is always regarded as responsible for an animal, a person who is in charge of an animal is also responsible for it. This includes a person who temporarily keeps an animal for any reason, for example, a veterinary surgeon taking responsibility for the animals kept in his surgery overnight, staff at boarding premises, and staff at animal sanctuaries.