Animal rights committee hears from petitioner

Call for legislation to mirror UK's

Opposing views on animal rights in the Isle of Man have been heard by a Tynwald committee this afternoon.

The Select Committee on Animal Welfare, set up in the wake of a petition presented at this year's Tynwald Day, has heard from the person behind it.

Roseleen Harrison was one of three people appearing.

She has called for the Isle of Man to introduce animal welfare laws in line with those of the UK, outlining her concerns regarding the current lack of legislation.

Ms Harrison said the practices of unscrupulous pet owners and dog breeders could not continue unchecked: (play audio)

Her call for tighter regulation was met with opposition, though.

Also appearing before the committee, former MHK Walter Gilbey, who has a long history of senior positions within animal-related organisations, believes new laws are an unnecessary step.