Which organisation introduced the Animal Welfare Act?

• A. RSPCA
• B. NHS
• C. DEFRA
• D. Local Council

Answer: (C)

In the UK, animal welfare legislation is introduced by the government department responsible for environment and rural affairs. The Animal Welfare Act was introduced by Defra (the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs) as part of updating and consolidating welfare laws. This department handles policy and drafting of such acts, setting the framework for duties of care and offences related to cruelty or neglect. The RSPCA is a charity that enforces and prosecutes under the Act, but it did not create the legislation. The NHS has no role in introducing animal welfare laws, and local councils enforce the provisions locally rather than originate them.