A Bill to amend the Animals Act 1971 to limit strict liability for damage done by animals
The Bill aims to reduce the number of instances under the Animals Act 1971 when, following an accident involving certain types of animal, an owner of the animal is strictly liable (that is, liable to pay compensation regardless of whether there is any fault on the owner’s part). The Bill was drafted in conjunction with the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.
House of Commons
7 February 2011
This Bill would change the Animals Act 1971 to limit when an animal’s owner must pay compensation after an accident. It aims to reduce cases where liability is automatic (strict liability) regardless of fault by narrowing the circumstances that trigger that liability.
The Bill is at the second reading in the House of Commons and has not yet progressed to committee or the Lords.
Generated 21 February 2026
No recorded votes for this bill yet.