Legislation & Guidance

On this page you will find quick and easy access to the statutory legislation, codes and guidance relevant to local authorities and animal welfare. We have split it into the documents relating to companion animals and often undertaken at Borough level and the documents relating to farm animals and often undertaken by Trading Standards at County level, although of course there are alternative models.

The regulations, guidance and codes can be updated at the 5-year review points and we will always have the most up to date versions here. LGAWG works with bodies like DEFRA, the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Animal Welfare and the Animal Health & Welfare Board England to keep up with any reviews and changes.

Please do contact us if you need any clarification over the legislation. The RSPCA as an enforcer of the Animal Welfare Act 2006 also offers advice to local authority officers and police which can be found at https://politicalanimal.org.uk/issues/local-govt-and-police/