Insurance

The Animals Act 1971

The Animals Act 1971 covers owners’ liability for damage done by their animals, and places strict liability on the owners of animals that cause damage in certain circumstances. Since the Act was introduced, and particularly since the House of Lords’ decision in Mirvahedy v Henley [2003], there has been uncertainty about precisely what those circumstances are.

Defra accepts that the meaning of Section 2(2)(b) of the Act is unclear, and launched a consultation on the 27 March 2009, seeking comments on a Legislative Reform Order to amend the Animals Act 1971. Comments are invited by 19 June 2009.

Full details of the consultation can be found at www.defra.gov.uk/corporate/consult/animals-act/index.htm

Page last modified: 3 September, 2009
Page published: 2 October 2006