Act of Parliament | |
Long title | An Act to prevent the cruel and improper Treatment of Cattle. |
---|---|
Citation | 3 Geo. 4. c. 71 |
Dates | |
Royal assent | 22 July 1822 |
Other legislation | |
Amended by | Cruelty to Animals Act 1835 |
Repealed by | Cruelty to Animals Act 1849 |
Status: Repealed |
The Cruel Treatment of Cattle Act 1822 ( 3 Geo. 4. c. 71) was an Act of the Parliament of the United Kingdom with the long title "An Act to prevent the cruel and improper Treatment of Cattle"; it is sometimes known as Martin's Act, after the MP and animal rights campaigner Richard Martin. [1] It is the first known piece of animal welfare legislation in the world. [2]
The Act listed " ox, cow, heifer, steer, sheep, or other cattle". This was held not to include bulls. A further act, the Cruelty to Animals Act 1835 ( 5 & 6 Will. 4. c. 59, s. 2) extended the wording of this Act to remedy the issue. [3]
This Act was repealed and superseded by the Cruelty to Animals Act 1849.[ citation needed]
My Lords, it is a privilege to open this debate. Today, in this House, we are opening a new chapter in this country's proud story of protecting and promoting animal welfare. I am proud, as I hope your Lordships are, of the UK's reputation as a nation of animal lovers. The UK introduced the world's first animal protection law: the Cruel Treatment of Cattle Act 1822.