The Animal Welfare Law

How to look after animals and make sure they don’t suffer is laid down in the Animal Welfare [Jersey] Law 2004. A licence is needed from The Minister for Planning and Environment to run pet shops, kennels, catteries and animal sanctuaries.

Accidents

In Jersey law, owners of animals involved in accidents or incidents are not liable or to blame unless the complaining party can prove negligence on the owner’s part. This involves the time and cost of court action.

The Law divides animals into two groups, dangerous or domestic. Owners of dangerous animals have a greater duty to keep the animals under strict control. This mainly concerns bulls.

Horses have complete protection. Owners are not liable unless total negligence on their part is proved.

Dog Licences

For information please   Dog Licence | Comité des Connétables (comite.je)  and Buying a dog licence (gov.je)

Insurance

Some household insurance policies cover liability for pets and farmers are covered under their public liability policy.

Nuisance

It is the property owner’s responsibility to fence neighbour’s animals out and not the owner’s responsibility to keep their animals in.

There are non-harmful repellents for cats and dogs that come into your garden.

In serious cases of large numbers of birds, the Environmental Health Officers may act. Contact the Environmental Health Department on 445808.

Dogs on beaches

Please see: Summer hours for dogs on beaches (gov.je)