Advocates for Animals | Solicitors

The Animal Welfare (Import of Dogs, Cats and Ferrets) Bill passed the House of Lords. The Bill gives the power to raise the minimum age for puppies being imported to six months and bans the import and sale of dogs with cropped ears or docked tails: bills.parliament.uk/bills/3790/s...

The UK government has vowed to phase out animal testing with a roadmap. However, campaigners are concerned with the lack of a clear timeline, firm targets or legislation. You can read more here: www.gov.uk/government/n...

We have assisted our client Animal Equality, which has obtained footage of farmed trout suffocating and being beaten with batons in a slaughterhouse in Scotland. We have submitted an official complaint to APHA Scotland, which is the relevant regulator.

To prevent pigs experiencing avoidable pain, distress or suffering at slaughter associated with high concentration CO2, The Animal Welfare Committee has recommended that its use should be prohibited as a method of stunning for pigs. You can learn more here: www.gov.uk/government/p...

TAWC Trade Animal Welfare Coalition - TAWC UK: Giving a voice to animals in trade policy The Trade & Animal Welfare Coalition UK is a wide ranging group of organisations who have come together to share their knowledge and expertise on mat...

The UK and EU are negotiating a UK-EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary Agreement. It's unclear how the welfare of the animal that will become the food product will be dealt with in the trade agreement- animal groups want to ensure the UK can restrict imports that don't meet UK animal welfare standards

A recent case in the Family Court in Manchester provided insight into how a dispute over the "ownership" of a companion animal may be dealt with in a divorce. Reassuringly not only was the dog's welfare taken into account, but his preference was too. See: www.advocates-for-animals.com/post/fi-v-do

Over 450 neglected animals were rescued in a major RSPCA and police operation in Nottinghamshire. Many were found in appalling conditions, with some too sick to save. The offender received a 12-month prison sentence and a lifetime ban from keeping animals. For more:
www.rspca.org.uk/w/whatwedo/p...

A woman was convicted at Cheltenham Magistrates’ Court after the police discovered her husky, Milo, slowly choking and lying comatose in squalid conditions.

Magistrates described it as “the worst case of animal cruelty” they had seen.

The Court has now ordered that all sterilised and vaccinated dogs, excluding those diagnosed with rabies, be released back into their original territories rather than confined to shelters.

Case update on trout farm investigation: Two complaints have been submitted to Gloucestershire Trading Standards on behalf of Animal Equality UK following undercover footage exposing serious welfare concerns.

In August 2025, plans for a giant chicken unit in Norfolk housing over 310,000 birds were overturned after an organisation opposing factory farming issued a pre-action letter, in part highlighting that animal welfare had not been considered in the approval process.

Case update on our client proceedings: @animallawfdn.bsky.social has amended its grounds to challenge the new chicken handling law, focusing on the fairness of the consultation process.

The abandonment of an animal has been treated as a failure to meet their needs under Section 9 of the Animal Welfare Act 2006 (England and Wales).

In addition, if the animal suffers as a result, this may also amount to causing unnecessary suffering under Section 4.

In their recent independent report, the Animal Sentience Committee shared their review of the proposed Animal Welfare (Import of Dogs, Cats and Ferrets) Private Members’ Bill.

Read more here: www.gov.uk/government/p...

The law bans punishment collars such as spiked or electric devices and sets higher standards for animal care services, including daycares, groomers, trainers, transporters, and hotels.

Learn more about how we support clients and navigate the legislative landscape on animal protection by visiting our website: www.advocates-for-animals.com

On 4 August 2025, two 17-year-olds from Ruislip were sentenced at Highbury Magistrates’ Court after torturing and killing kittens. Both have been detained in a youth offender institution and permanently banned from keeping animals under the Animal Welfare Act 2006.

Advocates for Animals represents UK organisations, charities and individuals in bringing legal challenges.

Visit our website to learn more about our work: www.advocates-for-animals.com

A 29-year-old woman is being investigated after allegedly bringing a baby tortoise into the UK inside a cigarette packet, without a permit.

The tortoise is a protected species, and the suspected offences fall under UK laws on the trade and import of endangered animals.

The Animal Sentience Committee has called for stronger animal welfare labelling to protect UK standards and inform consumers.

Charities like @animallawfdn.bsky.social have also highlighted how misinformation is prevalent in the food chain.

On 9 July 2025, Brazil’s Chamber of Deputies approved a bill banning the use of live vertebrate animals in testing cosmetics, personal hygiene products, and perfumes.

The law now awaits presidential approval and includes a two-year period for implementing alternative testing methods.

The case highlights the enforcement of legal protections for wildlife and domestic animals in Scotland.

Read our latest insight on how we fund our legal work and drive lasting change for animals.

Link to article: www.advocates-for-animals.com/post/why-do-...

From April 2026, it will be illegal to keep primates as companion animals in England without a specialist licence.

The aim? To protect the estimated 5,000 primates currently kept in domestic settings, where their complex needs often go unmet.

Learn more here: www.gov.uk/government/n...

A man received a 15-year ban after pleading guilty to multiple animal welfare offences, including carrying out this cruel and unnecessary procedure.

Cropping dogs’ ears is illegal in the UK, but the law still allows the import of dogs who’ve been mutilated abroad.

On 8 July 2025, we attended the Royal Courts of Justice on behalf of The Animal Law Foundation.

After considering the arguments, the judge agreed with our client that there was an arguable case and granted permission for judicial review.

We will continue to share updates as the case progresses.

Animal protection isn’t just part of what we do. It’s all we do.

Advocates for Animals is a law firm dedicated solely to protecting animals through the legal system.

Learn more about what we do: www.advocates-for-animals.com

Learn more about our work by visiting our website: www.advocates-for-animals.com

Tomorrow, our client, The Animal Law Foundation, will be at the Royal Courts of Justice for a permission hearing in its legal challenge against the UK Government for unlawful guidance.

Under the Animal Welfare Act 2006, anyone responsible for an animal must ensure their basic welfare needs are met.

Failure to meet these needs can lead to prosecution, fines, or a ban on keeping animals.