This Act consolidates and improves legislation for the welfare of vertebrate animals, other than those in the wild. The categories of animals that are protected under the Act depend on the offence in question. The Act harmonizes welfare standards for farmed animals and non-farmed animals. It applies only in part to animals in research establishments, the welfare of which is regulated by the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986.
The Act defines offences in relation with cruelty and animal fighting. It imposes a duty on persons responsible for animals to ensure welfare of those animals and empowers inspectors to issue improvement notices to those responsible for animals. The Act further provides with respect to a duty to hold a licence for specific activities involving animals, codes of practice and powers of enforcement.