The Law Relating to Ferrets
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The Law Relating to Ferrets – pet and working animals
The Animal Welfare Act 2006 has considerable implications for ferrets and other animals. The provisions of the Act not only make it illegal to be cruel to a ferret but also makes owners responsible for ensuring that their ferret’s welfare needs are met. These requirements are often referred to as the Five Freedoms and relate to the need:
- for a suitable environment (place to live)
- for a suitable diet
- to exhibit normal behavior patterns
- to be housed with or apart from other animals (if applicable)
- to be protected from pain, suffering, injury and disease
Anyone who is cruel to an animal or does not provide for its welfare needs, may be banned from owning animals, fined up to £20,000 and/or sent to prison.
Working ferrets should enjoy the same high standards of ferret husbandry as pet ferrets.