Plan to raise animal welfare standards

Proposals to improve the Island's animal welfare standards will go before Tynwald today (17 May).

Twelve recommendations will be put forward by a select committee set up after a member of the public presented a Tynwald Day petition two years ago.

They include setting-up a forum of experts in the care of different types of animal, and measures to protect animals being transported to and from the Isle of Man.

There's also a proposal to introduce compulsory microchipping of dogs and tighter controls on the use of snares.

Committee chairman Kate Beecroft says a 24/7 dog warden service is also highly desirable: