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Animal Welfare Charter

We recognise that animals are capable of feeling, capable of enjoying a state of well-being and equally capable of suffering.

We are committed through lawful means to promoting improvements in animal welfare wherever possible through its own services and by influencing other groups.

What does this mean in practice?

We will continue to fulfil our responsibilities under the law relating to pet animals and will develop our enforcing and influencing role by:

• distributing leaflets on dog ownership
• enforcing local dog bylaws and Government legislation relating to dogs
• supporting educational campaigns to promote responsible dog ownership and knowledge of the byelaws and Government legislation
• ensuring that all pest control treatments by us are carried out humanely by trained and experienced personnel
• discouraging circuses from bringing onto our land any animal other than horses, ponies, guard dogs, or domesticated animals
• support moves to ban all experimental procedures concerned with cosmetics and the use of animals for other purposes where non-animal methodologies exist
• supporting the ban on the sale of wild animal skins
• ensure the sale of animals or livestock on our land is strictly prohibited
• permit the show or display of animals on our land only with prior written consent, animals may be subject to inspection by our appointed vets or animal welfare organisations
• ensure compliance with animal gatherings legislation where animals are brought together for a show or exhibition on our land

What does this mean to me?

We believe that without the support of the public and commerce in Portsmouth, our efforts will have minimal effect on animal welfare issues. With public support and in partnership with commercial interests in Portsmouth, it is believed we can make a real impact. In practical terms every individual can make a contribution to the effort and below are a few examples of how you can help.

Pest Control

To minimise the use of pesticides and poisons, consider actions that you can take to keep insects and rodents out of your premises, such as deprive the insects and rodents of a food supply by good housekeeping and effective waste disposal. Where problems have occured in the past with things like cockroaches or fleas, don't wait until they are re-established. Monitor on a routine basis and treat as soon as possible when the insects are found and ensure your pest control treatment is carried out by a competent contractor that employs trained, experience staff. 

Animal testing

Many products are tested for adverse effects using animals and predicting the likely effects on humans based on the results of the tests. While there appears to be some scientific argument for this testing, a number of organisations are taking a more humane approach by promoting their products on the basis that they are not tested on animals. By supporting these products, manufacturers will be encouraged to develop and use alternative techniques.

Wild animal skins and products

In the past, wild animal skins and other animal products were 'collectable' items. There are now a number of materials available as an alternative to wild animal skins and products and by opting for alternatives to wild animal products you can support the Animal Welfare Charter.

More information

For further information or any queries relating to the Animal Welfare Charter or Pest Control, please contact the City Helpdesk on 023 9283 4253 or email cityhelpdesk@portsmouthcc.gov.uk.

You can also call the:

• Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra Wildlife Division) on 01179 591000
• Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) on 0300 1234 999

Associated documents:

  Printable version of Animal Welfare Charter  (0.03 MB)