Laws Related to the Protection of Animals in The USA and Europe
The animal protection laws are very important in regard to protecting the well beings of animals in the entire world. The United States and Europe have a good amount of laws which aim to prevent cruelty, humane treatment, and safeguarding wildlife. This blog will summarize these laws and give ideas on where to search for more information.
United States Animal Protection Laws
In the US, the laws for the protection of animals is a mixture between federal, region, and municipal laws. The main federal law is the Animal Welfare Act (AWA). This law stipulates basic provisions of animals in terms of their welfare in research, exhibitions, transportations and dealings. Other domineering laws are:
- The Endangered Species Act (ESA): Safeguard habitats that are threatened and endangered.
- The Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA): Prohibits the taking of marine animals in US seas and by citizens of the US.
- The Humane Methods of Slaughter Act (HMSA): Execution of animals in slaughter houses that are federally inspected have to be done humanely.
Where to Obtain Further Details:
- The USDA has provided information regarding the Animal Welfare Act and its enforcement.
- The US Fish and Wildlife Service provides information concerning the Endangered Species Act.
- NOAA set forth details regarding the protective measures instituted for marine mammals under the MMPA.
Europe’s Animal Protection Laws
In Europe, animal protection is unified within the EU’s system of law and at the level of member countries through the laws of individual countries. Some essential EU directives are:
- Directive 2010/63/EU on the protection of animals used for scientific purposes, which advocates for the 3Rs of animal testing (Replacement, Reduction, Refinement).
- Regulation (EC) No. 1099/2009 on the protection of animals at the time of killing, guaranteeing humane treatment of animals.
- Directive 1999/22/EC on the conservation of e\exotic animals in captivity which seeks to further improve welfare standards for these animals.
Where to Find More Information:
The full text of Animal Welfare legislation can be found on the website of The European Commission. Specific information is usually available from national jurisdictions; for instance, the UK government website contains information on animal welfare legislation in the United Kingdom after Brexit.
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What to Do If You Notice Animal Cruelty
In case of witnessing or simply suspecting any animal cruelty, take timely and responsible action.
- Capture Evidence Of The Incident: If it is safe and convenient, take notes, pictures, videos, etc. Obtain information about the place, time, and details of the cruelty.
- Contact Authorities: In the United States, alert local animal control, the police, or the Humane Society. In Europe, contact the police or other animal welfare charities.
- Stay Safe: Do not directly confront a suspected abuser. No matter the situation, your safety is the priority.
- Follow Up: Accompany further contacts with the authorities to ensure your report is actively being dealt with.
We all have a responsibility towards animals and within the framework of responding to laws and outlines provided, there is aid us in reporting animal abuses.
