Introduced by Stephen Crabb (Con, Preseli Pembrokeshire), the Bill aims to amend the Animals Act 1971 to limit strict liability for damage done to animals.

The Bill had its first reading in the Commons on December 5 2007. It was subsequently read for a second time on March 14 2008.

The Bill seeks to amend the Animals Act 1971 so that the keepers of animals that do not belong to an inherently dangerous species, will be strictly liable for damage or harm caused by that animal when they know that the animal in question may be dangerous at the time the damage is caused – either because of its temperament or because of particular circumstances, such as young to protect.

If the owner of a non dangerous animal could not have known that the animal was dangerous because of its temperament or particular circumstances, they would not be strictly liable for any loss or damage caused. However they may still be liable under common law if the damage or loss was caused by their negligence.

Commenting on the Bill, Stephen Crabb stated:

“This area of the law is muddied and confused and there is an urgent need to bring clarification to it, and that is the whole point of the Bill.”

House of Commons

First reading: December 5 2007 [HC Bill 18]

Second reading: March 14 2008