Licensing Laws and Animal Welfare

This book considers the efficacy of the common regulatory model of the licensing regime as a means of regulating animal use in England, with a particular focus on wild animals and the regime's ability to ensure animal welfare needs are met. Using information gleaned from over 550 inspection reports relating to the period 2008 through 2019, obtained using FOI Act requests, the book analyses the extent to which animals used by these industries are protected by law. Tyson analyses the limitations present in the practical application of English legislation responsible for creating a number of relevant licensing regimes.The regimes discussed include: The Zoo Licensing Act 1981, the now repealed Welfare of Wild Animals in Travelling Circuses Regulations 2012, and the Animal Welfare (Licensing of Activities Involving Animals) Regulations 2018, introduced under the Animal Welfare Act 2006.

Exploring the weakness in the use of this type of regulatory model, Tyson proposes compelling recommendations for change in future policy development. Making an important contribution to the question of enforcement of animal welfare laws, this book provides useful and original insights into the implementation of licensing regimes, and will be of particular interest to scholars of animal welfare law, animal ethics, and critical animal studies.

Cautions against the claim that animals' welfare is guaranteed by the licensing of animal use and regulatory oversight Uses information gleaned from FOIA requests to analyse the extent to which animals are protected by law Includes a comparative chapter on international perspectives

Autorentext

Elizabeth Tyson, PhD, is the Programs Director for Born Free USA, an animal rights advocate, and legal scholar with over 16 years of experience working in animal protection not-for-profits around the world. A major focus of her work has been campaigning and advocacy against the keeping of wild animals in captivity, with a specific interest in zoos, circuses and the exotic pet trade.

Inhalt

1. Introduction.- 2. Should Animals Use Be Regulated by Law And, If So, How?.- 3. How Is Animal Use Regulated and How Does This Protect Them?.- 4. Regulatory Licensing Regimes as a Legislative Framework.- 5. Primary Licensing Legislation: The Regulation of Zoos.- 6. Enforcing the Zoo Licensing Act 1981.- 7. International Perspectives: Snapshots of Zoos from Other Jurisdictions.- 8. Secondary Licensing Legislation: The Regulation of the Use of Wild Animals in Travelling Circuses in England.- 9. Enforcing the Welfare of Wild Animals in Travelling Circuses (England) Regulations 2012.- 10. New Directions in Licensing: The Animal Welfare (Licensing of Actives Involving Animals) (England) Regulations 2018.- 11. Is Licensing an Effective Means to Regulate the Use of Animals?.- 12. Making Licensing Work for Animals Recommendations for Change.- 13. Conclusion: Towards Transparency and Universal Standards for Animal Welfare.