A Select Committee of Tynwald has been formed to collect evidence in support of an Animal Welfare Act for the Island loosely based on the UK’s 2006 Act.

While many people believe that animal welfare on the Island is not a problem the ManxSPCA last year received a higher percentage of calls than in previous years.  187 cases of animal neglect, cruelty or distress were investigated in 2014 compared to 159 in 2013.  These figures include wild animals but do not take in to account the number of stray dogs picked up by the Police or the dog warden and brought to the Sanctuary because no owner claimed them.  Other agencies on the Island such as Pony Aid and the Manx branch of the British Horse Society also deal with cases relating to neglect of or cruelty to equines so these figures are likely to be even higher.

The ManxSPCA is obviously concerned about this upward trend and, although actual cruelty is, fortunately, rare on the Island, it does exist and the society welcomes the opportunity to work alongside other organisations as well as the police and DEFA to strengthen legislation which will give greater powers allowing early intervention. As a local veterinary surgeon commented recently ‘For us to take action an animal must suffer’ and this is simply not acceptable. Early signs are that 2015 could see a further increase in welfare cases and the ManxSPCA hopes that the Isle of Man Government will establish more stringent legislation to provide clear guidelines about what does and does not constitute animal cruelty.

The resources of the society are severely stretched because of the pressures imposed by greater demands for its services but it will continue its work to ensure all animals receive the care they deserve.

The Clerk of Tynwald’s Office has contacted animal welfare organisations throughout the Island and this Friday, January 16th, is the deadline for written applications to be submitted to the Select Committee. Members of the public can also submit their views by 23rd January.