Animal Welfare Charter

We believe we have a moral responsibility to make sure that our activities do not adversely impact on the welfare of all captive and domestic animals and all wild animals.

We promote the responsible ownership of pets, and high standards of animal welfare and husbandry at licensed premises, on farms, during transport, and at livestock markets.

We endorse the five freedoms, for all animals, adopted by the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA)

1. Freedom from thirst, hunger and malnutrition – by ready access to fresh water and a diet to maintain full health and vigour.
2. Freedom from discomfort – by providing an appropriate environment including shelter and a comfortable resting area.
3. Freedom from pain, injury or disease – by prevention or rapid diagnosis and treatment.
4. Freedom to express normal behaviour – by providing sufficient space, proper facilities and company of the animal’s own kind.
5. Freedom from fear and distress – by ensuring conditions and treatment which avoid mental suffering.

We will work to achieve these objectives on animal welfare matters by:

• enforcing fairly and even-handedly
• exercising control through policy decisions in relation to activities that it manages
• educating and advising residents of and visitors to Derby on animal welfare issues
• providing up-to-date advice on animal welfare issues to individuals or organisations involved with animals.

We will amend and update the Animal Welfare Charter as necessary, to reflect the changes in legislation and local circumstances.