The history of animal welfare law reveals how moral consideration for animals has expanded significantly over two centuries, providing context for current debates and future directions.
The history of animal welfare legislation reflects evolving moral consideration for animals over two centuries. Early laws focused on preventing gross cruelty to working horses and cattle. The Cruelty to Animals Act 1835 extended protection and banned baiting. The 1876 Cruelty to Animals Act regulated vivisection. The Protection of Animals Act 1911 consolidated protection for all domesticated and captive animals. The 1954 Performing Animals Act addressed circus animals. The 1968 Agriculture (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act extended protection to farm animals. The 2006 Animal Welfare Act introduced positive welfare duties and the duty of care. The 2022 Sentience Act creates governmental obligations. This progressive expansion reflects scientific evidence for animal sentience and shifting public moral values.