In a series of groundbreaking new laws, the government of the U.K. is set to make changes in how the country views animals. Brought about by a coalition made up of 50 animal charities along with U.K. government officials, the result is actionable changes to legislation relating to various animal welfare issues.

The ‘Action for Animals’ report

The result is the report, “Action for Animals,” which will inform policy changes and provide resources for use by public authorities in the implementation of the planned rule changes. This should allow laws to be enforced and maintained that have to do with the protection of animals, their trade, and their treatment.

The new changes include all animals

And these changes aren’t just about domesticated animals kept as pets, but all animals, which will be considered as sentient beings. To enforce these changes, an Animal Sentient Committee will be formed to hold Ministers to account for any breaches in animal welfare laws,

The report is made up of 40 recommendations

The report’s 40 recommendations will call for the better treatment of pets, farm animals, and wildlife. To make sure that the committee is knowledgeable about what constitutes sentient in animals and when laws regarding this are breached, the committee will be made up of animal Experts.

Fighting illegal puppy mills

The changes to the law should also make it easier to enforce change when it comes to illegal puppy mills, giving agencies the necessary resources needed to fight this heinous practice.

These enforcement methods are is achieved mostly through improved funding for fighting illegal puppy sales as well as enforcing compulsory microchipping of pets so negligent owners can be held responsible. The law also makes it mandatory for local law enforcement to uphold animal welfare laws.

“Legislation is a glorified piece of paper without enforcement and a wasted opportunity if it doesn’t deliver its objectives. Local Governments need additional resources to fulfill their statutory obligations. Effecting sustainable change is hard and we want all legislation, new and existing to work,” Blue Cross CEO Chriss Burghes said in a press release.

Improving the lives of farm animals

Future legislation will also be tied closely to farm animals to improve living conditions for these animals. The intent is to improve the general health and welfare of farm animals in the hopes of reducing the carbon footprint that they generate, while also slowing bacterial and viral resistance to current medications.

For more on the “Action Plan for Animal Welfare,” visit the GOV.UK Website.

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Sources: IFLSCIENCE!, GOV.UK