Plans to review, modernize and simplify outdated laws on animal welfare were unveiled Jan. 2 by the United Kingdom’s Animal Welfare Minister Elliot Morley.

Animal welfare groups, local authority representatives, courts, police and industry will be consulted in what will be a far-reaching review drawing together the environmental and industrial concerns of animal welfare.

The Department of Environment, Food, and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) wants to hear views on the existing 11 Acts of Parliament governing the welfare of pets and farm animals. The Department is considering the possibility of a new animal welfare bill, pulling together current legislation and closing loopholes.

“This is a broad and sensitive area of legislation on which we plan to consult widely and openly to make sure the law reflects the animal welfare needs of the 21st Century,” said Morely. This will be a lengthy process but we need to take our time and get it right so that any resulting changes stand the test of time