Liability for accidents

Policy:  PAC welcomes the government consultation on revision of the Animals Act 1971.  We believe the potential for the imposition of significant damages on animal owners who have behaved responsibly is unreasonable.

Background: The Animals Act 1971 sets out the liability of owners for the actions of their animals.  However the Act has been criticised by the Courts as being unclear and there have been a variety of contradictory judgements.  Many household and pet health insurance policies provide third party cover in the event of an accident involving a pet.