It is the first signing of pet law since the Protection of Animals Act 1911, which it largely replaced.

Section 1 defines an "animal" as a vertebrate (other than a human) from the sub-phylum vertebrata of the phylum chordata.

A "protected" animal is defined in s2 as one that is either commonly domesticated or one that is, at the time being, under the control of a person.

Needs include suitable environment, diet, being housed with or apart from other animals, protection from pain, suffering, injury and disease.

Failing to comply with a code of practice's provision will not, of itself, render that person liable to proceedings of any kind.

A court has the following powers to make orders in relation to possessed animals – s20(1): The court will not make such orders until it has given the owner of the animal an opportunity to be heard or is satisfied that it is not practical to communicate with the owner – s20(4).

A person guilty of an offence under sections 4 (unnecessary suffering), 5 (mutilation), 6(1–2) (docking dogs' tails), 7 (poisoning), 8 (fighting) shall be liable on summary conviction to imprisonment up to a year, or up to 5 years if convicted on indictment,[6] or a fine up to £20,000 or both – section 32(1).