Tynwald approves animal welfare measures

Pet passports among raft of proposals approved by the court

A raft of proposals to improve the health and wellbeing of Island animals have been approved in Tynwald.

However, the court fell short of reinstating a 24/7 dog warden service in the Isle of Man, and a move to ban testing on animals was thwarted by an amendment from Rushen MHK Laurence Skelly.

Twelve recommendations had been put forward by a select committee, formed following a Tynwald Day petition presented in July 2014.

Committee Chair Kate Beecroft says she believes the changes are well overdue but believes the failure to support a ban on animal testing leaves the door open.

The Department of Environment will now draw up the measures, which include setting-up a public register of those barred from keeping animals and plans to protect animals being transported to and from the Island.